> Elementals
>  by Parodox
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1: The release 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Magic is but a tool, it is neither good or evil, nor can it influence the one who wields it. Only the one who wields it can make that choice"

-Starswirl the Bearded




Tartarus, also famously known as hell. Inside this dungeon of brimstone and fire were the most dangerous and evil creatures, trapped behind bars made of metal that kept them inside. Outside, guarding the gates of Tartarus, was the large three headed dog known as Cerberus. Day and night he stood watch, never wandering from his post. Except for that one time he did, and was then scolded by the Princesses, and swore that he would never abandon his post. The effect of his action had caused the demon, Tirek, to escape and wreak havoc on all of Equestria and nearly destroyed it.

With his lesson learned, Cerberus now stands guard 24/7, never leaving.

A scent, a familiar one, caught Cerberuses nose. His left head sniffed the air and the other two followed suit. The scent seemed close, yet also far. The heads tried to pinpoint the scent's location but it seemed impossible. Until they did, the scent was no longer scattered and was right in front of them. Assuming that the scent belonged to an intruder, Cerberus whipped its heads to the scent's location and snarled. Its jaws opened wide as they closed in on the thing that emitted the scent.

Then they froze.

Jaws still open, inches away from their target, Cerberus had become frozen with fear. Before the three headed dog was a figure, one that resembled a pony. A black hood and cloak covered the figure's body and face. But despite the figure's hidden features, Cerberus recognized the one who stood before him.

The figure slowly lifted its head, "now Cerberus." It spoke in a calm and unfazed tone. "Is that any way to treat your Master."
Cerberus quickly backed away and fell on his haunches. "Calm down, I'm not here for you." The Figure spoke, making his way towards the gate.

The figure halted as Cerberus extended his arm in front of the figure, blocking its path. The figure slowly moved its head to Cerberuses, his unseen eyes boring into Cerberuses very soul.

"Move your arm." The Figure demanded, before adding, "please."

Cerberus shook his heads violently, unsure which punishment would've been worse. The one from the princesses or the one from the figure. Cerberuses arm trembled, fear gripping his heart as the figure contained to stare. Slowly, and involuntary, Cerberuses arm began to retract. He tried to command his arm to stop but it refused to stop moving until it returned to Cerberus.

Pleased, the figure walked past Cerberus and entered Tartarus. The stench of brimstone clung to the air like a think sticky substance. To the walls where cages stacked on top of more cages where limbs stuck out from and clawed at the bars. Their cries fell upon death ears as the figure walked past the cages and towards the lone one sitting the furthest away from the gate. The figure stood before the cage, a beam of light shining on the half in front of him.

"So this is the fate that has befallen the magic stealing demon, Tirek." The figure adressed.

Two glowing yellow dots shined from the darkness of the cage. Slowly, two red bony hands wrapped themselves around the bars, shackles wrapped on its wrists, the face of Tirek became visible as it came close to the bars. "Who are you?" He asked, curious about the figure's identity.

"A shame you do not remember me. I was, after all, the first pony you tried to steal magic from. But no matter, my name is the Master." The figure introduced himself.

The once cries of those imprisoned became hushed and silent upon the mention of the Figure's name. The limbs which had clawed past the bars, were now slowly pulling back into the cages they had been trapped in. Tirek's face changed to one of horror in an instant. "The Master?" He repeated, making sure he had heard the figure's name correctly.

"My name is indeed the Master." The Master declared proudly. "And I have come in search of a very powerful artifact. One I have spent half a century trying to find." The Master explained. "Who would've thought that you've had it this whole time."

"What madness do you speak of?" Tirek demanded. "I have no artifact inside of me."

"Oh but you do." The Master took a step closer. "Long ago, the twin sister's had a powerful artifact which held the most powerful forms of magic. The sisters entrusted the artifact to the demon king, who sealed it inside of his first born child."

Tirek shook his head. "LIES!" He roared. "I have no artifact inside of me and my father never put one inside of me."

"Oh?" The Master asked. "Did you not find it strange how you didn't age where your family did. Did you not find it strange that you could use a magic the others of your kind could not? Did you not find it strange-"

"Enough!" Tirek shouted. "I won't hear anymore of this."

"Fine then, don't listen. Just do me a favor and don't move." The Master's tone became dark as he passed through the bars as though his body was a gas. The Master raised his hoof, and drove it into Tirek's chest. Tirek roared in pain as the Master's hoof wormed its way inside of Tirek's inside's. He tried to push the Master's hoof out but some kind of force kept his entire body restraint. The Master's hoof grabbed something solid, something that didn't belong inside of Tirek, that very something was exactly what the Master was looking for. It was small in size but its weight was enough proof to convince him. The Master grabbed the object and pulled his hoof out of Tirek's chest.

The force restraining him vanished, Tirek's hands scampered across his chest where the Master had driven his hoof to see there was no hole or visible marking. He looked up from his chest and to the Master as he phased through the bars. Tirek rushed to the bars, hoping to grab the Master before it had left. He banged against the bars and reached for the Master. Or rather, what he was holding.
In his hoof was a small black speck. The object became entrapped in a black aura of magic and grew in size. It continued to grow and grow until it grew to the size that it completely covered his hoof. In his hoof he now held a cube with strange symbols on its sides, a line ran across the top half of the cube showing off the box's lid, and on the top was a circle with a symbol with a keyhole on it.

"Give that back!" Tirek demanded, desperately reaching for the cube.

The Master removed his gaze from the cube and looked to Tirek. "Well since you asked so nicely," the Master extended the cube over towards Tirek. When Tirek laid his hands on the cube he immediately recoiled in pain, looking at his hands which had been scarred as though they had touched a hot stove. "That was for lying." The Master growled pulling the cube back towards him, he produced a bronze colored key with strange symbols embedded on its arm.

"Please." Tirek pleaded. "Don't open that box. You don't know what evil that will unleash."

The Master looked back to Tirek. "It seems you truly don't know anything about this box after all. My mistake." The Master said, slowly bringing the key closer to the lid.

"What you hold in your hooves is Pandora's box." The key came to a halt. "A box which contains the most evil and destructive magic known to all. If you open that box, you will unleash that magic and it will tear the world apart."

"You've been gone for far to long Tirek." The Master spoke, not looking away from the box. "While you spent your days rotting away in this prison, I've seen firsthoof what this so called 'world of peace' the two sisters have created has become. A world of equality and friendship." The Master spat. "What a joke. Now matter how you look at it, Equality will never be possible. Not as long as magic exists in this world. I tried to find a way to destroy magic, but such a thing is impossible. To destroy magic would mean destroying life itself, so a new way was required. If I couldn't destroy magic, then I would give everyone magic. Then, and only then, will there be a chance for peace."

"You don't understand. Unlocking that box will only bring death and destruction, you can't hope to achieve peace by doing this." Tirek said.

"You're just like all the others, only able to see the black and white of this world. They may not understand it now, but what I am doing will change the world for the better." The Master said, plunging the key into the center of the star symbol, passing through as though it was made out of gas.

"And if those who receive the magic end up destroying all life that exists?" Tirek asked, as a bright white glow began to emit from the crack between the lid and the box.

"Then this world was not meant to hold life." The Master answered as he turned the key.

The lid flung opened.

And all hell broke loose.

A brilliant beam of light shot from the box, breaking through the ceiling and climbing into the sky. The force of the beam caused loose pieces of dirt and dust to repel against the beam in a ripple like motion. Despite its faint presence, multiple colorful objects could be seen climbing up the beam and escaping through the ceiling. Once all of the objects had left the box, it closed itself shut. For a moment there was silence, then that silence was broken by Tirek.

"What have you done?" He demanded.

"I have either saved this world from itself." The Master turned around, making his way towards the gate.

"Or I have destroyed it. Only time will tell."
> Chapter 2: You are Worthy
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Far north, in the cold and barren wastelands, there is an airship. The cold and freezing winds forced against it with all their might, but they could not move the anchored airship. On its deck, multiple griffins dressed in warm and fur clothing that protected them from the harsh winds as they worked on the multiple parts of the ship that needed tending to. Below deck, protected from the harsh winds, a Griffin with grey feathers, blue eyes, and the feathers on the back of his head was styled to look flown back. He was walking down the hallway, passing by doors which led to the crews living chambers.

But the griffin had no interest in the crews living quarters. He was only interested in the one at the far end of the ship. A black, metal bolted, door which blended in with the wall texture on the entire ship. The griffin knocked three times, only to receive silence as a response. The griffin knew that he was in there, his theory was confirmed when he opened the door and entered the room.

The room was different compared to the other quarters that belonged to the crew. It was more spacious, and seemed to belong to someone of high stature. Sitting on the edge of the bed, his back to the door, was a griffin with black feathers on his body, white feathers on his head and chest, and yellow eyes. He was staring at the floor, his head held by his claws. The elder griffin entered the room and closed the door behind him and locking it, ensuring that no one would disturb them.

"Hello Gideon." The Elder griffin spoke to the younger one. "I see your still moping around."

The younger griffin remained silent.

"The winds have died down a bit." The elder Griffin rubbed the back of his awkwardly, the conversation he was trying to start wasn't going to well.

"Three days." The younger griffin croaked.

The elder griffin became confused and startled by the younger Griffin's response. "What?" He asked.

"Three day." The younger griffin repeated, slightly turning his head. "Three days we've been banished to this god forsaken land."

The elder griffin sighed, his gaze meeting the floor.

The youngest griffin was Gideon, prince of the Griffin Empire. Or ex-prince that is. Gideon had a certain hatred for ponies, ever since he had met Celestia, who was visiting on royal business, he had hated them. It was in his nature, as it was in every living thing. Everything hated being beneath someone. It wasn't Celestia herself, but that pompous, stuck up, arrogant nephew of hers that goes by the name Blue Blood. He insulted the Griffin culture and history, being racist and hateful towards everything that made Griffins who they were. Gideon had had enough, he lashed out against the prince and as a result felt the wrath of Celestia's power. He was banished by his father to the frozen north, where he would spend the rest of his days. But he didn't go alone, Gideon's soldiers were loyal to him and would lay down their lives for him, so they didn't think a second thought about being by his side.

The Elder griffin, was known as Lexus. Elder brother to the Griffin emperor, and uncle of Gideon. He too, stood by his side when he was banished to the frozen north.

Gideon would never forget that day, and every day he looked in the mirror and saw the permanent mark Celestia had left on him, he was reminded not of the shame he felt, but the fear. The towering gaze of the solar goddess struck fear in Gideon's heart, stabbing him with the painful truth. That he was powerless, and he hated that. Every night when he tried to sleep he would picture himself above Celestia, letting her experience the fear he had felt. Letting her know that she wasn't all powerful, that even she, a goddess, could be slain. But all that it was was a mere fantasy, one that would never come true.

Lexus took a seat next to his nephew, letting all of his wait shift so that he would fall on the bed. "I'm sorry Gideon, I wish there was something I could do but..." he hesitated. "But this is how things have to be, you know this."

Gideon faced Lexus, showing off his right eye which had a red and charred scar over the entire area of his eye with a small part of it blown back, indicating where the golden beam had struck. "It isn't fair, why must we submit to these weak creatures? Why do we cower in fear when we can unite and destroy them?"

"Because they know it is pointless." Lexus answered. "They know that for every pony we kill, ten of ours will suffer the same fate. Many have tried, all have failed."

"They fail because they let fear drive them." Gideon stood up. "They let themselves be afraid when we should be striking fear into them. My father may have succumbed to fear, but let me tell you this Uncle. I will never be afraid of them, and once my banishment is done. I will do everything I my power to make them know fear."

Lexus was about to speak but was drowned out by the sudden and loud commotion by the crew on deck. "What in the world?" He asked as he could hear a loud crash from the front of the ship.

Their was a high pitch sound that drew closer until the locked metal door was literally thrown off its hinges by a floating object that was glowing yellow. Before the two could understand what the object was, it closed the gap between itself and Gideon and sunk into his chest. It's glow became brighter, shining from the inside of Gideon's chest.

"Uncle." He spoke, his voice full of worry. "What's happening?"

Lexus said something, but it was drowned out by the loud mechanical voice that only Gideon could hear spoke.

Gideon, you have the power to instill fear. YOU ARE WORTHY!

The bright and brilliant glow enclosed Gideon's entire body, shining out of his eyes and mouth. His wings flared and shot through the ceiling, a yellow trail following behind him. Gideon soon became a glowing yellow spot as he soared higher and higher into the sky.

When Gideon could no longer see the ship, he stopped, his body glowed yellow even more brightly. The yellow glow continued to intensify, entrapping Gideon in its brilliant light until,

KA-BOOOOOM

The light exploded, a yellow ring of magic flew away from Gideon, fading as it grew in size. Slowly, Gideon regained consciousness. His first reaction was panic, upon seeing that he was somehow floating and how high up he was.

Calm yourself Gideon.

"Who's there?" Gideon demanded. "Show yourself!"

I can't do that Gideon, you see, I am the Element of fear and I have chosen you as my host.

Gideon froze. "Element of fear?" He repeated what the voice had said. "I don't understand, the only Elements are the Elements of Harmony."

That is incorrect. There are many Elements, and each one serves an equal purpose. To give magic to the one who wields us, I am no different.

"Magic?" Gideon asked, making sure he had heard correctly. "Your telling me that I...have magic?"

Think of something, anything, and it shall appear.

Gideon closed his eyes, thinking of the first think that came to mind.

Open your eyes.

Gideon did as instructed and opened his eyes and saw before him a creature that was completely yellow that had the resemblance of a snake, but it had insect legs along both sides of its body, and pinchers on its mouth. Gideon scrambled his body back, startled by the strange creature that hovered in front of him.

"What is that?!" He demanded.

That is your embodiment, the very persona of your newfound power..

Gideon became furious and shouted, "you told me to imagine something and it would appear. I imagined a spear, not...this." He gestured.

A spear hmmm? Look in your left claw.

Gideon did so and saw that it held a yellow spear that seemed to be made of the same thing the creature was made of.

"What are you?" He demanded.

I have already told you. I AM THE ELEMENT OF FEAR, I EXIST ONLY TO SERVE MY HOST. USE MY POWER AS YOU WISH.

The image of Celestia cowering before him in fear flashed before Gideon once again. He swallowed and asked, "and, just how strong is your magic?"

The power of fear knows no bounds. It is only limited to those who fear you, my power feeds off fear, so the more who fear you the more powerful you'll become.

"Not many fear me, so I can only assume I don't have much power." Gideon assumed, the spear he held faded away.

Correct. But there is a way for you to gain more power. Would you like me to tell you?

"Tell me everything." Gideon smiled with eagerness, "and don't skip any detail."





Panic arose from the airship as perplexed crew members tried to figure out what had happened while also tending to the ship's needs. There was shouting and roaring from everyone all around as those of higher command tried to regain order amongst the brewing chaos. One of the crew pointed and shout, directing everyone's attention to yellow bolt which was closing in. Those who stood where the bolt was going to crash quickly rushed away until they could be certain that they were a safe distance away. The bolt drew closer and closer and began to slowly descend. Soon the bolt's shining light dimmed and the crew could see what, or rather who, the bolt was.

"Your highness." One of the captains pronounced as he and the rest of the crew took a knee and bowed before Gideon.

Lexus made his way past the crowd and towards his nephew. "Gideon, what happened? Where did you go? What are you...wearing?"

Gideon looked at himself to see he was wearing a yellow armor that covered his entire body, from his claws to his neck. On his chest was a symbol which had been engraved. Gideon lifted up his right claw and observed, smiling while in the process. "Tell me," he spoke in a cool and orderly tone, "the Crystal Empire is south of us is it not?"

Perplexed by his nephew's question, Lexus answered, "yes...it is. Why?"

Gideon looked up at his crew, the soldiers who had sworn to die for him if need be. "Prepare for battle, were invading the Crystal Empire."

Overwhelming shock overtook the crew and Lexus. "What? Gideon you can't be serious-"

"Aaaahhh!"

The scream of one of the crew members had caught the attention of everywhere as they directed their gaze to who had screamed. Their eyes widened I horror upon the sight of the large persona of fear which hovered in front of the ship.

"Battle Station's!" One of the captain's ordered.

"Belay that order." Gideon commanded. "Their is nothing to fear, this beast is under my control." Gideon said as his persona drifted over to the side of the ship. "I have recently gained a new power, one that will give us an advantage in our invasion."

Gideon noticed the look of fear on his soldiers faces and knew that a leader was needed. "My loyal soldiers, how long have you served by my side?"

"Five years...your highness." One of the crew answered.

"And have I ever, given any of you a reason to question my judgment and orders?" Gideon asked.

"No." A couple of the crew answered, while the others remained silent.

"Have I ever led any of you astray?" Gideon asked.

"No." More of the crew answered, this time louder.

"So I ask of you, not as your prince or leader, but as your friend. Aren't you tired of being oppressed by the Ponies? Aren't you tired of waking up everyday and knowing that you are beneath someone? Don't you think it's time for a change? Don't you think it's time that the ponies learn there place?" Gideon's voice rose with confidence and spirit, he opened his claw and a yellow ball of magic appeared. "I wield the power of fear, and it is with this power that I will make them fear me. I will topple that iron throne they stand so proudly on and pull them down to ground and then, and only then, will they truly know fear. So I ask of you, my loyal soldiers, will you fight with me!"

"Yes!" The entire crew roared.

"Will you stand by my side throughout the entire battle?" Gideon asked, his voice becoming a shout.

"Yes!" The entire crew shouted once more.

"Then let loose the anchor and set course for the Crystal Empire." Gideon ordered. "Let us show them the true power of our might."





The Crystal Empire was said to be the most beautiful and peaceful place in the whole world, and those who said that weren't wrong. The Crystal Empire was a thing of pure beauty, shimmering in the sun's daily glow. Inside the palace, in the room belonging to the newly born Princess Flurry Heart, Shining Armor and his loving wife Princess Cadence were playing with their daughter. Flurry Heart giggled in delight as she was held by her father.

Cadence, who was leaning against the side of Flurry's crib, gave her husband a warm smile. "And you thought you were going to be a terrible father." She said smugly.

"Yeah yeah." Shining gave his wife an eye roll. "Laugh while you can, because Flurry's first words are gonna be 'dada' and I'll get to rub it in your face."

Flurry became entrapped in pink magic as she was brought over to her mother. "I wouldn't be to sure about that, 'mama' seems to roll off the tongue."

"Don't bet on it." Shining gave his wife a coy grin.

The doors to the room were burst open as a crystal royal guard charged in. First he bowed and apologize for barging in, then he spoke, "your highnesses, a Griffin airship just touched down two miles from the Empire's entrance. Over a hundred soldiers armed in what seems to be scrap and strange utensils, we think they might be planning an attack."

Cadence laid Flurry back in her crib before addressing the situation. "Send the guard to the entrance before those griffins hurt themselves. We'll be with you shortly."

Cadence, Shining, and the Royal guard exited. Shining stopped and turned to the guard standing at the doorway. "Keep an eye on Flurry till we get back."

"Yes sir." The orange fur Pegasus saluted.





Not once did Gideon's soldiers ever lose faith or trust in their Prince. But at this moment, the trust and bond formed between Gideon and his soldiers, was now very shaky. 117 soldiers were what Gideon had, and they were armed with the most pathetic looking weapons ever seen. Metal poles, wooden sticks, and some utensils. Compared to the arsenal that the Crystal Royal guard, the Griffin army was screwed.

Gideon could practically taste his armies fear, he couldn't blame them. He would be afraid to if he were in their shoes. But now was not the time to be afraid, now was the time to show the ponies just how powerful they were. Gideon took a step forward past the entrance and as a result the Crystal Heart, the very soul of the Crystal Empire, fired a beam of magic that sailed down towards the entrance. Gideon only had a split second to react as he extended his claw and braced himself. The beam collided with Gideon, the full force of it pushing him back. He dug his hindlegs firm into the ground, preventing the beam from pushing him back.

"Your Highness!" One of Gideon's soldiers shouted, taking a step forward.

"Don't come any closer!" Gideon ordered and his troops complied. "Why is this happening?" He demanded to the Element of fear.

The Crystal Heart is seeing you as a threat to the Empire, as such it is trying to destroy you. The only reason it hasn't yet is because my magic is protecting you.

"How do I stop it?" Gideon demanded.

You can't, you're not strong enough yet. It seems I have miscalculated, perhaps it would be wise if we were to retreat-

"NO!" Gideon shouted. "I will not run with my tail between legs! I said that I would make these Ponies know fear and they will!" Gideon said wth grit. "We were once a proud race, all feared our might and strength. But that all changed when the Ponies arrived. We were reduced to cowering greedy rats because of them. They have forgotten to fear us, so I will remind them." His entire body glowed brighter with every word he spoke. "I will remind them to fear us. They will fear the Griffin race, and they. Will. Fear. Me!"

In a single moment all of the bright yellow magic which radiated off of Gideon was transferred to his palm and from it a beam of yellow magic pierced through the Crystal Heart's. The beam spliced through magic and forced towards the Heart. The yellow beam touched the Crystal Heart in the center, cracks formed as the magic sunk in.

And then it exploded.

KA-BOOOOOM

The Crystal Heart shattered into pieces, a shockwave of yellow magic was sent from where the Crystal Heart once stood and cut through the four arched bases which supported the Crystal Palace and shook the entire empire itself. Then there came an earsplitting groan from the Palace, a sound that resembled that of a tipping tree. That's when realization hit everyone.

The Crystal Palace was falling.

Chunks of Crystal fell as the building began to tip forward. Everyone screamed in horror as the towering building drew closer to the ground. But before it could it came to a sudden stop. It took everyone a second until they saw what was happening. Princess Cadence was flying in front of the Palace and used her magic to slowly lift it back into place. Once the Crystal Palace was being held in place, Shining armor and the rest of the guard who were unicorns used their magic to wield the broken pieces back together.

But despite their act of heroism it couldn't settle the horrified look on everypony's face at the sight of the shattered Crystal Heart. Gideon took a whiff of the air and exhaled with the look of satisfaction on his face.

Fear. The entire Empire reeked with the emotion, and it was their fear that gave Gideon strength. Even now he felt his power growing, he looked to his soldiers and with his magic transformed their pathetic armor and weapons into ones that suited them. Pieces of scrap used for makeshift armor became steel suits of enchantment armor. In each claw every soldier held a steel tipped spear accompanied by a tall shield. Gideon looked at his army and was proud to call them his soldiers. They all had smiles on their faces, showing their eagerness and determination. All they were waiting for, was orders from their prince.

Gideon created a yellow aura sword in his claw and pointed at the Empire. "Take the Empire!" Gideon ordered.

The army roared as they charged the entrance, ponies that stood in their way ran in terror. When Shining Armor and the unicorns were finished wielding the bases shut, Cadence released her magical grip on the Palace. Her first instinct was to rush inside and make sure Flurry was okay. But before she could, a yellow aura chain wrapped itself around her hindleg and forced her down. She smashed against the Crystal floor with such force that it had made a mark.

"Cadence!" Shining Armor shouted, rushing towards his wife.

Cadence, still dazed, was unable to shield herself from Gideon's next attack. Gideon landed on top of Cadence and a black metal ring appeared in his claw with a yellow flash. He slid the ring onto Cadence's horn, where small spikes dug into it. Disrupting the flow of magic.

"Get away from her!" Shining Armor charge, his horn aimed towards Gideon like a lance.

Gideon didn't even bother shifting his gaze towards Shining Armor as he swiped his claw towards him, yellow aura shackles appeared on all of his hooves, chains attached to each shackle restricting his movements. He tripped and slid until stopping right in front of Gideon, who put another black ring on Shining Armor.

"Well this is a beautiful sight." Gideon smiled, watching as his troops raided the homes in the Crystal Empire. "Never did I think I would be able to witness such a thing."

"You monster."

Gideon glanced down at Shining Armor, who was glaring at him. "How could you do this? These ponies are innocent, they've done nothing wrong!"

Gideon gave Shining a look of perplexity before shaking his head and slightly chuckling. "You don't know, you will never know nor will you understand. But that's alright, you're not the ones I want to kill." Gideon said before giving it some thought. "Although, maybe if I killed her niece. Maybe that'll send the right message." Gideon smiled sinisterly at Cadence.

"Prince Gideon!"

Gideon looked away from the royal couple and towards one of his soldiers who was running out from the Crystal Palace. The soldier stood before Gideon and bowed.

"My loyal warrior, you're in the midst of battle. Kneeling before me is only gonna get your head chopped off." Gideon joked, receiving a laugh from the soldier.

The soldier then cut off his laughter like a switch and his tone became serious. "I bring good news and...unfortunately, bad news as well." The soldier said. "The good news is we've secured the Empire. They're Royal guard we're pathetic and helpless against us. Seems as though the only form of defense they had was the Crystal Heart."

Gideon raised a brow, cautiously he asked, "and the bad news?"

The soldier's expression became that of embarrassment. "Its princess Flurry Heart, we can't find her anywhere. She's disappeared."

Both Shining Armor and Cadence released a sigh of relief. Gideon took notice and grabbed Cadence by the next and lifted her to eye level. "Where is your daughter?" He demanded.

Cadence spat in his face.

Gideon watched as the slob of salvia trailed down his cheek. His grip on Cadence's neck tightened, closing her airway. But even as Gideon choked her, Cadence didn't show any sign of fear. Instead she closed her eyes, happy knowing that her daughter would be safe.

Gideon.

"What?" Gideon growled. "I'm busy."

This Flurry Heart you speak of, is she an Alicorn?

Gideon's grip on Cadence loosened. "She is." Gideon answered.

As I thought, there's an orange Pegasus carrying an Alicorn child away from Crystal Empire.

Gideon dropped Cadence, she fell to the ground limp. "Where?" He demanded.

Approximately three thousand feet in distance and five hundred feet in elevation. If you use my power you'll be there in seconds.

Gideon looked to the soldier and ordered him and others to watch Cadence and Shining Armor. The soldiers did as they were told and Gideon blasted off, a trail of yellow magic following behind him. He soared at speeds he had never reached before, in fact, he soared so fast that he appeared in front of the Pegasus in seconds.

The Pegasus was startled by Gideon's sudden appearance and stumbled to a halt, still keeping himself in the air. In his hooves he held a small newborn filly wrapped in a pink cloth. It didn't take a genius to figure out that the filly was Flurry Heart. Gideon extended his arm, opening his claw. "Give me the Alicorn Pegasus." Gideon asked politely. "Now."

The Pegasus shielded Flurry from Gideon and responded, "now way in Tartarus."

Gideon lowered his arm. "Suit yourself." He said as the Pegasus' wings became enveloped in yellow magic and were bent back. Breaking the bone.

The Pegasus roared in pain, and then he fell. He tried to ignore the pain and flap his wing to at least try and slow his descent but it was to no avail as he plummeted out of the sky. The ground came into view and the Pegasus knew that there was no point in trying to fly. He moved his body so that his back faced towards the ground, and he completely shielded Flurry with his body.

His body sunk into the snow until it had hit the ground. 

Hard.

The first thing he did was check to make sure Flurry Heart was okay. He was relieved to see that she was, then the relief was replaced with pain from his broken wings and bruised back. He muffled his screams of pain as he slowly rose from where he had fallen.

"I must commend you on your..." Gideon paused as he landed in front of the Pegasus, thinking of the word to describe his action. "Bravery I guess is what you call it?"

The Pegasus took a step back, and his hindleg slipped. He spun his head around to see he was on the edge of a cliff, and at its bottom were sharp jagged spikes.

"But I'm afraid that your noblism ends here." Gideon extended his arm and opened claw once more. "Abandon the child and I shall let you live." The Pegasus looked back and forth between Flurry and Gideon's opened claw. "It isn't a hard choice Pegasus. Abandon the child, and you will live, stay and protect the child, and I will pry her from your cold dead hooves." Gideon threatened.

The Pegasus looked back down into the cavern filled with jagged spikes. In the corner closet to the edge there was a safe spot void of any spikes. The Pegasus knew that he had to protect Flurry no matter what, even if it meant his life would be spent in process. The Pegasus looked back to Gideon and without breaking eye contact, jumped off the edge.

Gideon's once face of triumph twisted into one of shock as the Pegasus once again plummeted down. Only this time, it was to his death. But he didn't care, he would die happy knowing that Princess Flurry Heart would be safe. As long as that happened, Flash Sentry didn't care if he had lost his life.

As he came closer and closer to the spot that was void of spikes, he saw a gold and blue light shine before him and three words spoken to him. 

Flash Sentry, YOU ARE WORTHY!
> Chapter 3: The Guardian appears
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Magic is the divider. It separates and creates inequality between all. A world with magic, is a world that will never truly know peace.

-The First Book





Flash thought that today would be like any other normal day. Just standing guard in front of a door and letting the day pass on. Of course today was anything but normal. It started with the sudden appearance of the small griffin army which had gathered at the entrance to the empire. Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor went to go check it out while leaving Flash in charge of watching Flurry.

It wasn't until the Crystal Heart shot a beam of magic at the Griffin wearing a strange yellow suit that things instantly appeared off. That's when the unthinkable happened. The Griffin, the one wearing the yellow suit, was pushing the beam back. With magic of his own.

His magic eventually reached the Crystal Heart and it shattered at though it were made of glass. Then came the gut wrenching crack in the Palace's structure. The very building itself groaned as it slowly began to tilt. Flash acted on instinct and quickly grabbed Flurry to ensure her safety. Thankfully, Princess Cadence, along with most of the unicorn royal guards, were able to set the building back in place. Flash ran onto the balcony and to his horror saw the destruction of the city.

Multiple columns of smoke drafted into the air from the fires which had broken out. Ponies running and screaming in terror as they were chased by Griffins who now wielded deadly weapons. When Flash caught sight of Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor, his heart sunk.

The Griffin wearing the yellow suit stood over the two broken royalty, towering like a powerful God. Flash wanted to do nothing more than to swoop down and help them. But a single look at Flurry Heart reminded him that her life was still in danger.

"That room right there. That's the only one we haven't check yet, so she's gotta be in there."

A voice, one that most likely belonged to a griffin. Flash could tell because of its accent. He looked to Flurry Heart once more, and made up his mind.

With his wings spread Flash took off to the sky, putting as much distance between him and the Empire. But he didn't get far enough it seemed.

The Griffin dressed in the yellow and black suit appeared in front of him and demanded Flurry. Flash refused, saying he would rather die. The Griffin said he would happy to oblige. The Griffin drove Flash to the edge of a cliff with jagged spikes at its bottom. His wings were broken, the Griffin had him cornered, there was no way out.

The Griffin offered to spare Flash if he gave Flurry Heart to him. Instead of taking his offer, Flash jumped off and aimed for the part of the ground which didn't have any spikes. He would die from the fall but Flurry would live, and as long as that would happen he didn't care if he lost his life.

It was then that a brilliant light, one of gold and blue, shot down from the sky and sunk into his chest. The light shined through his entire body, intensifying with each passing second, and three words were spoken by a voice inside his mind.

Flash Sentry, you would save another life even at the cost of your own. YOU ARE WORTHY!





Time itself had come to a slow current, stretching seconds into hours. The entire area around Flash became grey and void of color except for him. He began to panic, thinking that he had died.

Calm yourself Sentry.

The voice inside his head spoke. It sounded robotic, or rather, emotionless, like it had once belonged to a living creature.

Flash tried to speak but no sound could be heard.

You can only speak through your mind in here Sentry.

Flash thought it strange but did so anyways, he thought and it was heard.

Where am I? What are you? What's going on? How did I get here? Is Princess Flurry Heart alright? Did I leave the oven on this morning?"

Millions of thoughts trampling over others filled the area with sound until Flash made them cease.

Clear your mind. Focus on one thought and speak it. 

Flash did as instructed, instead of spilling out all of his thoughts at once only one came out.

"Is Princess Flurry Heart safe?" Was what the thought asked, and the voice responded.

The child is still in your forelegs, safe and sound.

Flash let out a sigh of relief before releasing his next thought. "What are you?" It asked.

I am an Element of Atlas, the Guardian, and I have chosen you, Flash Sentry, as my host.

"Why me?" The new thought asked.

You value others lives over your own. You would sacrifice your own life if it meant someone else's would live. This is what makes you worthy of being the Guardian, what makes you worthy of my power.

A new thought presented itself, and asked "Where am I?"

Technically we are in your subconscious, processing each thought faster than a millisecond.

"You said I have power. What kind of power?"

The power of magic. This power is used to shield and protect others from harm and danger.
Under normal circumstances I would teach you, but now is not the time. For now I'm going to have to give you a quick, short detail of your power by uploading it to your memory.

"So its kinda like a shortcut."

In a word, yes. Only this is gonna hurt.





Gideon stood before the cliff baffled, his mind incapable of processing what had just happened. He offered the Pegasus his life in return for the Alicorn child. Gideon never planned on killing the child, nor did he plan on killing anyone in the Crystal Empire. All he wanted was to rise up from beneath the ponies boot and show them that the Griffons do not bow before anyone. He wanted them to know what it meant to fear them,

Not this.

*KA-BOOOOOM!!*

A pillar of gold magic with multiple blue rings rising up on it shot into the air, its brilliant light practically blinding Gideon. The pillar's reach grew higher and higher as it soared, piercing through the sky and beyond.

"When those in need of protection
Know that I will answer the call
With my brilliant shield of light
I will protect you all!"

A voice from the pillar spoke, its words loud and booming with strength as the pillars light became even brighter.





Far from the Crystal Empire, in the east, there is a majestic forest named Redwood Forest. In the very heart of the forest, isolated from the other redwood trees, there is an oak tree which towers at 1,000 feet in height and its roots extended to every edge of the forest. The tree was known by many as the Great Tree, a symbol of nature's true might. Redwood Forest was home to a race known as the Deer, creatures who had minor resemblance to ponies but were entirely different. Unlike the ponies, the Deer culture is revolved around nature. The Deer worship nature like a god, and they respect all of nature's gifts. Their homes are inside the trees, their food is grown wildly and not tampered by farming, and they treat each other as equal.

The Deer have no king or queen of any sort. Their is a group of leaders known as the High Council who govern and suggest ideas that would better suit the community, but there is only equality among the Deer, no one is better than the other. Even the High Council is comprised of normal Deer, but the true power lies within the population itself.

The Deer are incapable of using magic of any kind, in fact, the Deer have their own views on magic. Ever Deer worships nature as a god, as such, every Deer reads and learns from the "First Book". A book with the history and knowledge of nature. In the very first page it reads,



From Nothing came the Stars, from the Stars came the worlds, from the worlds came nature, and from nature came life. Nature was the first to wield magic, and from her power she created trees as our homes, crops as our food, and water as our very being. Nature asked nothing more than for all creatures to treat and respect each other as equal and friends. But the Ponies committed a sin, a sin that they and their descendants and those to follow from their descendants will carry with them forever more.

The "Original Sin" as it was later called, was when the Ponies stole magic and learned to use it themselves. Magic, caused separation among the ponies, dividing the once pure race into three new races. One of flight, one of strength, and one of magic. Other races soon followed, some gaining the power of flight, others the power of strength, but only the Ponies were the ones who could wield magic among the other races. Appalled, the Deer wanted to fight against the Ponies, to show them that they had done wrong and that their was still time to be forgiven.

But nature denied the Deer the idea of war. She told the Deer that the Ponies, while they did steal from her, were still capable of good. She told the Deer that magic is not the true evil, but rather those who wield it differ between good and evil. The "Original Sin" does not refer to the Ponies stealing magic, but that they have caused evil with it.

The Deer will never possess magic, as the risk for becoming evil is to high. Magic is a divider, it causes war, distrust, inequality, and hatred. Magic should only be wielded by nature, as she is the true good in this world. We will not fight the Ponies as they must learn their wrongs themselves, but that does not mean they are incapable of forgiveness. We will treat all the races as our equal, as that is the way nature created us to be.



These very words were being read right now by a stag with light brown fur, blue eyes, and short antlers. He sat on a stool with a hard cover book titled "The First Book". Sitting in front of him on a round carpet was a group of fawns ranging from boys to girls. They were in a library, surrounded by shelves of books which had been carved from the inside of the tree.

The stag closed the book and addressed the group, "any questions?" He asked.

A fawn raised his hoof and after getting permission from the stag spoke, "why did the Ponies steal magic?"

That question seemed to be on everyone in the group's mind. The stag wasn't surprised, he asked the same question the first time he read from the First Book as well. "The reason the Ponies stole magic was because they desired power. They led their greed consume them and as a result they became seperated and distant from one another."

Another hoof was raised and the stag called on whoever was raising the hoof, "how come magic is evil?"

"You're asking the wrong question." The stag pointed out. "The question isn't 'why is magic evil', but rather the question is 'why does magic create evil', and the answer is because magic leads to separation. When we were first created all of the races were equal in appearance, knowledge, and strength. It was magic which had destroyed equality and caused the races to change."

Another hoof was raised and called on, "if that's true, how come the Ponies aren't our enemies?"

"The Ponies were never our enemy, even after they stole magic we still see them as our equal. As we always will. One day the Ponies will rid themselves of their magic and when that happens we will all be equal." The Stag answered. "Any more questions?"

Silence.

"Great, then your homework will be to read pages 2-10, I expect you all to have them memorized by tomorrow. Now go outside and play." The Stag smiled as the group packed up and left.

The Stag did so as well, leaving and heading off towards his home. Receiving warm greetings from neighbors and local residents. Midway towards his house the Stag decided he would go for a stroll through the woods. The Stag walked deep into the forest, some of the roots belonging to the Great Tree visible above ground before trailing back down.

The Stag came across the edge of a cliff, where he walked to the end and gazed at the magnificent beauty of the forest beneath him. He admired the work of nature for a long period before something caught his eye. Something very tall.

A pillar of white light, a large distance away but still visible from the Stag's location, shot into the air. The Stag watched as multiple objects, each a different color, escaped the pillar and soared across the sky. Then the pillar faded away into nothingness, but before it did two objects could be seen. One bright white, the other pitch black. The two objects soared in the opposite direction of the other, the white object soared in a straight line until it curved and changed its direction.

By the time the Stag understood where the white object was heading it was to late. The white object sunk into the Stag's chest, causing his body to glow. Bright beams of white light shined from his eyes and open mouth as three words echoed in his mind.

Forester, you value all life on this earth. YOU ARE WORTHY!





The pillar of golden light with blue rings around it slowly faded, Gideon's sight slowly returning. To his surprise what he saw next shocked him.

It was the Pegasus, only now he wore a golden armor that covered his entire body with blue spots on the joints. The Pegasus' once broken wings were now repaired and completely engulfed in a blue magical aura. In his foreleg was Flurry Heart, somehow sleeping.

Gideon opened his mouth to speak but before he could utter a single phrase, the Pegasus closed the distance between him and Gideon, and in his hoof a ball of blue magic appeared. The ball collided with Gideon and created a massive shockwave which sent Gideon flying backwards. He bounced off the ground three times before rolling to a stop.

He stood up, not hurt but definitely frazzled by what had just happened. Gideon looked to his right, where the Pegasus now stood and spoke,

"You're like me, aren't you?" Gideon asked. "You received an element which has given you powerful magic. But your element isn't like mine, it's different isn't it?"

The Pegasus remained silent.

"Tell me Pegasus, do you know what a 'Duell der Schwerter' is?" Gideon asked, using his magic he created a sword with a steel blade.

The Pegasus continued to remain silent, despite his hidden face, Gideon knew that the Pegasus was glaring at him.

"I'll take your silence as a no." Gideon assumed. "Allow me to explain. 'Duell der Schwerter' in your language means 'duel of swords'. In Griffon culture, we were the first to discover iron and because of that discovery we were the first to create and engineer swords. Over time we created a tradition known as 'Duell der Schwerter', a duel between two sword wielders."

Gideon used his magic once more and created a steel blade sword which he tossed towards the Pegasus. The sword flipped a couple of times in the air before its blade sunk into the ground. The Pegasus looked between the blade and Gideon.

"I'm offering you a deal, Pegasus." Gideon offered. "Defeat me in this duel and I shall take myself and my troops away from the Empire. But if I defeat you in this duel, then you must surrender Flurry Heart to me and will not give aid to the Ponies. Do we have a deal?"

The Pegasus looked to the sleeping baby Alicorn and a golden aura bubble surrounded her. The bubble lifted into the air and stayed in midair as the Pegasus approached the sword and took it into his hoof.

"I accept your duel." The Pegasus said, skillfully wielding the blade.

"Excellent, we start the duel by declaring our name while paying our respect to our opponent. Like this." Gideon showed his example by taking a bow and introducing himself. "My name is Gideon, Prince of the Griffon Empire. May you prove to be a worthy challenger." Gideon stood up and frowned when he saw that the Pegasus was not bowing. "This is the part where you declare your name while paying your respects."

"Respect?" The Pegasus spoke as though he had been offended. "You attack my home, imprison my Princess and Prince, broke my wings, put Princess Flurry Heart in life-threatening danger, and you expect me to just respect you and pretend none of that happened?"

"I can assure you, I never once had any intention whatsoever to harm Flurry Heart, or anyone in the Crystal Empire." Gideon said.

"For a Griffin, you're a terrible liar" The Pegasus stated.

Gideon's left eye twitched as he suppressed his urge to attack the Pegasus in a bloody rage. "I'm gonna pretend I didn't hear that, and ask you nicely to do as is required for the duel."

The Pegasus didn't want to, it felt like he was addressing Gideon as his friend and they were just playing a common game. But the Pegasus lowered his head and upper body as though he was bowing before quickly rising and addressing his name.

"My name is Flash Sentry. I am apart of the Royal guard." The Pegasus said.

"Flash Sentry huh? Well then I wish you luck against me." Gideon said, pointing his sword's tip towards Flash. "Oh yes one more thing, Magic is strictly forbidden. If I see any sign of you using magic of any kind I will have won the duel automatically. The same principle goes for me." Gideon said, his yellow suit disappearing.

Flash did as he was requested and his gold and blue armor faded away. Gideon smiled in appreciation as he readied himself for battle, Flash did the same.

"Are you ready?" Gideon asked.

"Whenever you are?" Flash answered.

"The let us begin." Gideon declared as both he and Flash charged towards the other.





On the floor of the Crystal Empire, Lexus sipped from his cup of tea calmly and casually. Acting as though everything that had transpired was nothing to worry about. In front of Lexus was every citizen of the Crystal Empire, tied up and restrained by the Griffin's surrounding them. Both Cadence and Shining Armor glared at Lexus as he continued to drink from his tea.

"Are you sure you don't want any tea?" He asked the two, offering two cups of tea.

Both Cadence and Shining Armor looked down at the cups before responding. "It'll be a cold day in Tartarus before we accept anything from you." Cadence spat.

"You probably poisoned the tea for all we know." Shining added.

"Poison! In tea?!" Lexus said, appalled by the thought. "What kind of soulless monster would do such a thing?!" He demanded, pulling the two cups back to him.

"What about that time when Princess Aurora poured laxative into your tea Lexus?" One of the Griffin guard's asked.

Lexus frowned upon recollection of the memory. "Like I said, 'soulless monster'." Lexus said, taking another sip.

A chuckle arose from the Griffons, leaving the Crystal Ponies confused.

"I hope you understand that we meant no harm by this little...assault my nephew took on this place." Lexus said. "I, personally, stayed out of this battle while it went on. But I made sure that Gideon, and his soldier's, did not kill anyone. Even if it was Celestia's nephew."

"Its Princess Celestia to you!" A Crystal Pony among the group spoke up, receiving a slight jab from a spear and a demanded hush from the one who wielded it.

Lexus took another sip of his tea, "she won't be Princess for long."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Cadence asked, sounding worried.

"Did you not see what has just transpired here?" Lexus asked, gesturing to everything around him. "My Nephew brought down the Crystal Empire in only an hour. Imagine what he could do if he invaded Canterlot?" Lexus asked rhetorically before continuing, "and it's not just my nephew you need to worry about. I can feel large spikes of magic all over the place, magic that compares to my nephew's power, and that magic is spreading all across the world. Surely now you know the truth."

"What truth?" Shining Armor demanded.

"The truth that your reign is ending." Lexus answered with a smile. "That those who you have kept under your boot are going to rise up and fight you. Just as we have done today." Lexus said, taking a sip from his tea while not breaking eye contact.

"Lexus, Prince Gideon has returned." A Griffin said. "Along with the Alicorn child and a Pegasus."

Lexus stood up and turned around, where he saw his nephew Gideon and the Pegasus Flash Sentry carrying Flurry Heart land in front of him. Gideon had a scowl on his face, one that looked to be a mixture of anger and disappointment. Flash shot Gideon a look before he walked forwards and spoke to his soldiers.

"Release the Crystal Ponies and return to the ship." He ordered. "We're leaving."

Looks of shock and surprise appeared on the faces of the Griffin and Ponies faces. Except for Lexus who, after taking another sip of tea, calmly said, "'bout time, I swear I can feel my eye sockets burning with every second I look at this place."

A Griffin soldier stepped forward and asked for an explanation, "your Highness...you're joking right?"

To show his seriousness, Gideon approached Cadence and removed the ring inhibitor from her horn, and did the same for Shining Armor. Once their bonds had been undone, and Gideon's back was turned to them, Shining charged up his horn to deal a blast of magic at Gideon. Before he could, Flash grabbed his horn and slowly shook his head, as if he was advising against his attack.

Once the Griffins understood what they were supposed to do they freed all of the Crystal Ponies and marched towards their airship in silence. After everyone had boarded, the propellers spurred to life and the anchors which kept the ship grounded were undone. With nothing keeping the ship bound, it took flight.

From the deck, Gideon locked eyes with Flash's as the airship flew further and further from the Empire. Once the Empire could no longer be seen Gideon turned around, wanting nothing more than to head to his bed and sleep. But as he turned around, he met the disapproving gaze's of his soldiers, and the usual calm look of his uncle.

"Sorry about this Gideon, but the crew and I have to know why you ordered them to retreat." Lexus explained. "Otherwise you're gonna have an unhappy crew amongst you."

Gideon ignored their request and approached the metal door which led below deck. "I don't want to talk about it." He said under his breath.

He opened the door only for it to be instantly shut by one of his soldiers. "Sorry your Highness. But we want an explanation right now." The soldier demanded, keeping his aggravation suppressed.

Gideon looked to his soldiers and sighed, knowing full well that they weren't gonna let him leave without an explanation for his actions. "Very well, you better take a seat cause this'll be a long...and embarrassing story." Gideon said taking a seat on the deck. His soldiers did the same while his uncle remained standing.

"It all started when I chased after Flurry Heart. I ran into the Pegasus guarding her, I got him to the edge of a cliff where I offered to spare him if he gave Flurry Heart to me. Instead he jumped off and in doing so, somehow got magic like me. One thing let to another and I challenged him to a 'Duell der Schwerter', with an added rule that neither of us could use magic."

Gideon continued with the story. "When we clashed sword against sword, i took the offensive, putting all of my strength into each blow. But Sentry-the Pegasus had a very strong defense, one that I could not break. He would try to catch me off guard and then strike. Each time he did so, I dodged of he missed. There were times when he had struck me, such as a slight graze or a small pierce. After some time had passed Sentry made a deep cut on my left claw. I had raised my sword ready to strike but I stopped when I had noticed that he had dropped his sword." Gideon explained. "Purposely." He added.

"At first I was confused, then I thought he was forfeiting the duel. But when he said that he had declared himself the winner of the duel I thought he was pulling some kind of trick. It wasn't until he told me to look at the cut he had made on my left claw that I discovered the truth." Gideon held up his left claw for everyone to see. "To my surprise, there was no cut on my claw yet I knew that Sentry had made one. I then understood why I had lost the duel."

"Your magic had healed your wounds." Lexus stated.

Gideon nodded. "Per our agreement, if any of us uses magic it would count as an automatic disqualification for he who uses it. And since I had used magic I lost and had to honor the deal I had made with Sentry. Which was to free the Crystal Empire and leave."

"Why did you challenge the Pegasus to a 'Duell der Schwerter' anyways?" A soldier asked.

"We were equal in magical power, I could feel it. Fighting on those terms would only end in a stalemate. So I thought a 'Duell der Schwerter' was the best course of action." Gideon explained.

The crew discussed amongst themselves before looking back to Gideon.

"After some discussion we've decided to forgive you for your actions. Even though they cost us the Crystal Empire." A soldier spoke. "Go get some rest your Highness."

Gideon nodded as he exited below deck. After he had left the crew got to work on maintaining the ship, tending to the balloon's pressure and the ropes keeping it attached to the ship. While the crew did their job Lexus observed in silence. He ceased his observation when a grey hawk with a metal cylinder strapped to its back.

The hawk was a messenger bird, bred to travel to a certain location or to a certain someone. Lexus upended the cylinder on the hawk's back and pulled out a rolled up piece of paper. After unrolling it, he read it and reread it. A smile of satisfaction on his face. He rolled up the piece of paper and addressed the entire crew.

"Griffins, good news." He said holding up the letter for everyone to see. "We've just been requested by the Emperor to return home. Gideon's banishment is over!"

The entire crew burst into cheers and cries of laughter upon hearing the news. Everyone on the ship was happy, everyone that is, except for Lexus. Because when he looked at the letter his smile turned into a frown. Not because the letter said that Gideon and the crew were to return home, that part was true, it was that the letter wasn't sent from the Emperor, Gideon's father, but if had been sent from Gideon's sister.

Aurora. 
> Chapter 4: Rage unleashed
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have sat in silence for to long
No longer shall I be caged
I will destroy all who stand in my way
With my furious undying Rage!




Night fell over Redwood Forest, and it was abuzz with commotion. Small, yet visible, specs of orange light could be seen, the light coming from candle lit lanterns. Almost all of the Deer were searching the woods for someone who had disappeared. A stag who went by the name Forester, who was well known inside the Deer community. For him to not be seen the rest of day had made everyone in the Community very worried, especially his students. A search party was gathered, which then split up as to cover more ground in the woods. Two of the stag's students, one a young male calf with two nubs for his growing antlers, green eyes, and white spots on the sides of his brown fur, and the other, a young female calf with purple eyes, and dark brown fur. The two were searching the woods alone, the male calf holding a stick in his mouth with a lit lantern on the other end.

Normally it would be stupid to let two young calf's wander the forest alone, but Redwood Forest was void of any predator-like creature, making it perfectly safe. But to ensure that the two wouldn't get lost or hurt, a tracking dog was brought with them, seeking out the stag's scent. Only a select number from the group had been given a tracking dog, and each dog had been given something to use to track the stag. The tracking dogs were highly acute to scent and could pick up the slightest hint of one and sometimes mix that scent up with the one it was supposed to be tracking.

However, this was not the case for the tracking dog leading the two calf's. Each tracking dog was almost a direct descendant of a wolf. Sharing traits such as pointy ears, dark colored fur, and larger size. This dog was no different, having the appearance of a wolf but had yellow eyes and a dark greyish fur. The tracking dog raised its head from the ground, taking in heavy whiffs of the air.

"What is it boy?" The female calf asked. "Did you find Forester?"

The dog said nothing, instead it darted away, running at fast speeds. Both the calfs followed suit, running after the dog. They continued to follow the dog until he ran into a bush, the two calf's ran after the dog and into the bush. They rummaged their way through the bush before coming out the other side. The male calf lifted up the lantern to see the dog sitting on its haunches with his tail wagging. Next to him was the stag the two were looking for, lying unconscious.

"Forester!" The two Calf's shouted, rushing to the stag's side.

"Is he okay?" The female calf asked.

The male calf sat the lantern down before responding, "he's still breathing, so that's good." The calf sighed in relief before addressing the stag's apparel. "What the heck is he wearing?"

The female calf hadn't noticed it but the male calf was right, the Stag/Forester was wearing a white suit that covered his entire body except for his neck and head, and around his neck was a white scarf. "Not sure, it's pretty weird looking right?"

"It can be as weird as you think it is." The male calf said, hoisting Forester up and draping his left foreleg over the calf's shoulder. The female calf did the same, but supported the right side. "But let's get him back before sunrise." The calf said, taking a few steps forward.

"Fawn." The female calf addressed the male's name. "Is that tree moving?"

The male calf, now known as Fawn, looked at his friend perplexed by the question. The female calf pointed to the tree in front of them, Fawn squinted his eyes and saw that it wasn't the tree that was moving but rather the bark seemed to be twisting and shifting in a certain line. That's when Fawn realized it wasn't the bark which was moving.

The true thing moving along the trees bark revealed itself. It was a snake, which had once turned its scales a perfect shade of brown to match the trees bark were now pitch black with purple symbols all over its back, it was five feet in length, and had poison green colored eyes with a black curved line for a pupil. The snake was able to shift its body and lunged off the trunk, flying towards the three deer. It's mouth became unhinged, opening wider than what should've been natural possible, two fangs dropped from the roof of its mouth.

Fawn's eyes widened when he realized that the snake was aiming for Forester. Without a second thought, he removed Forester's foreleg from his shoulder and stood in front of Forester. The snake collided with Fawn as its fangs sunk into the space that connected the neck and shoulder.

"Fawn!" The female calf shrieked.

The snake retracted its fangs and dropped down from Fawn's shoulder. The blood veins near where the snake had bit bulged as they changed from light blue to dark purple. Fawn's body shook and he collapsed, breathing heavily. The snake slithered away towards a bush, but before it could make its escape the dog pounced on it, halting it's movement by stomping the dog's paw on it's tail. The snake's upper body lifted, its venomous eyes glaring at the dog as it unleashed a spine trembling hiss. The dog's response to the snake's hiss was pinning it's head between the ground and the dog's paw, the dog added a lot of pressure to the paw and the snake's head was crushed causing black ooze to shoot out from all sides of its head. The snake's body twitched a couple of times before it lay still. Once it did, its body disintegrated into black ash.

"Fawn! Fawn!" The female calf shouted his name multiple times, but Fawn remained silent.

His eyes became glossy and fogged, his pupils now pale as more of his veins bulged and turned from blue to purple. The dog whimpered at the sight of Fawn, licking his face in hopes that it might achieve some type of response but it was to no avail. The dog then did what he had been trained to do when had found his target. He howled.

*Ah-Whoooooooooh*

The dog's howl was heard from the entire forest and other howls were cried out in response, as if telling the dog to stay put.





Far west from Redwood Forest, very far west actually, there is the land which goes by the name "Montemus". A land completely comprised of Mountains, which contained precious ores and minerals, Mines, which harvested the precious ores and minerals inside the mountains, and Factories, which processed and/or smelted the precious ores and minerals.

Inside one of the mines, a tunnel which drilled all the way into the mountain, led to the mining operation inside. An assortment of buildings had been set up inside the main base of the mountain, each with their own speciality and purpose. From the base of operations another tunnel which led down deeper into the mountain had been carved to reach the ore deep within.

At the end of the tunnel, on each of its sides, there were creatures whose lower body was that of a goats legs and upper body of a bull with horns on their heads. These creatures were known as Minotaur's, and they were the miners in this mountain. The ore they were mining out was a charcoal black substance known as "Black Steel" or as it is less known, in its current form "Black Iron". The Minotaurs heaved their pickaxe's high above their head and brought it down onto the side of the black ore. Each Minotaur wore a mask covering their mouth and nostrils, as was required due to a poisonous gas in the air. Behind the Minotaur's who were hard at work was a railway that was used for transporting carts full of "Black Ore".

One such Minotaur who had black fur for his lower half, red skin for his entire upper body, grey pupils, and average size horns which pointed slightly up and out. This Minotaur's name was Drax, and the only reason he was stuck in the mines was so he could help pay the bills for his mother's farm. It was a harsh and tough job, but it payed enough.

The Minotaur next to Drax had black fur on his lower half, blue skin on his upper half, brown pupils, and horns pointed directly forward. His name was Coal, and he was also Drax's best friend. Coal lower his mask for a second and said, "Warden is coming, look busy." He said in a hushed tone before covering his mouth and face back up.

The Minotaur's who were chatting, whistling, or singing while they work became silent when a unicorn Stallion came into view. The unicorn had light black fur, deep purple pupils, and a matching purple mane and tail. He wore a grey officer suit and white pants along with black boots which echoed with each step he took. The unicorn was known as Warden's Watch, or Warden as he preferred to be addressed. Warden was the harshest and most strict guard in the entire mine. He walked slowly and casually along the railway, acting as though he owned the place.

Warden stopped and without so much as a turn of his head he spoke firmly and orderly.

"Cease." He ordered in an audible tone.

Every pickaxe froze in midair, the Minotaur's arms which held them locked up. None daring to move or step out of line.

"Stand at attention." Warden ordered.

Every Minotaur laid the tools down and faced away from the tunnel's walls, towards the other side of the tunnel. Warden strolled forward, each stride showing dominance and authority.

"It has come to my attention." Warden spoke. "That we have a thief among us." Warden's tone seemed to flare on saying the word "thief". "Now there were times in the past when the records showed that a piece or two had gone missing and we thought nothing of it. However, we have recently learned that we have not lost just one or two pieces of Black Iron, but FIFTY FOUR BUCKING PIECES!" Warden roared, his magic flared creating cracks in the walls, but no one moved from their place. They knew that any punishment given by Warden was far worse than being crushed to death.

Warden took a deep breath, cooling his temper before continuing. "Now then. These missing pieces have only been logged from sector E." Warden paused, glaring at the Minotaur's. "This sector." He said, continuing down the railway. "My sector." Warden pointed out. "Now I know none of you would dare steal from me." Warden stopped in front of Drax and eyed him. "Which is why I've come to the conclusion that something is stealing from us during the night. Therefore, one of you will stand watch and catch this thief before he causes anymore problems." Warden spoke directly towards Drax.

Drax lowered his mask and asked, "do you want me-"

"I did not give you permission to speak, E-62!" Warden barked.

The tunnel became dead silent, until Warden continued.

"E-62. I am ordering you to catch this thief and present him to me tomorrow morning. Do you understand?" Warden asked.

"Crystal clear Warden." Drax answered.

With breaking eye contact with Drax Warden ordered, "the rest of you leave for dinner, I need to have a word with E-62."

The Minotaur's picked up their tools and headed towards the mine's exit. Before Coal left he whispered to Drax, "I'll save you a pot of chili." He said, patting Drax on the shoulder and leaving. Once Warden and Drax were alone Warden spoke,

"Take off that mask." He ordered and Drax did as he was told. "E-62, you work to help pay your mother's debt for her land correct?"

"Yes." Drax answered quickly.

"And it seems that your mother is beginning to slip in finances correct?" Warden asked.

"...Yes." Drax hesitated before answering.

"So that would mean you would have to earn more money, and a way someone like you could be doing that is by...oh I don't know...stealing?" Warden suggested.

Drax's eyes widened in shock. "Warden...your not accusing me of being the thief, are you?"

"I may accuse whomever I please." Warden huffed. "And let me be clear when I say, if you do not present me with a thief by tomorrow...well, let's just say your mother won't have to worry about her finances any more." Warden threatened as Drax balled his fists.

"Dismissed." Warden ordered.





The mines were maintained and governed by Ponies, unicorns more specifically. They were in charge of preventing riots and chaos from starting inside the mine. Every unicorn was strict to the Minotaur's, all but one. A unicorn mare with milk chocolate brown fur, emerald eyes, and dark brown mane which had been tied into a bun. The unicorn's name was Rough House, and she was the only unicorn who acted like a Minotaur. Rough House worked in the cafeteria, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner to the hungry workers. When Drax had entered the cafeteria all of the Minotaur's who he had worked with in the mine were seated at tables, conversing with one another while eating chili from clay bowls.

"Well look who finally decided to show up." Rough House smirked, leaning against her foreleg on the table and the other resting on her hip, she spoke in a country accent.

Drax smiled as he walked up to the stand Rough House was behind and picked himself up a bowl of chili. He walked over to where his friend Coal was sitting and sat next to him.

"'Bout time you showed up." He said, slapping Drax on the back. "Some of us were starting to get worried." He joked, causing everyone at the table to chuckle.

"Aw, didn't know ya cared." Drax joked, scooping up a chunk of chili and eating it. As he did so he pulled out a book and sat it on the table.

"What have we here?" The Minotaur across from Drax asked, grabbing the book before Drax could stop him. "Could it be our friend Drax is a bookworm?"

"Very funny guys, now give it back." Drax said in a slight demanding tone.

"What the hell you gonna do with a book anyways?" The Minotaur asked, opening up the book.

"Uh, read it. What else am I gonna do with a book?" Drax asked.

The Minotaur grinned. "Oh, I can think of a few ideas." He said, standing up and rearing back the arm which held the book. "Hey Twix!" He yelled getting the attention of a Minotaur sitting at a different table.

"Keep away!" The Minotaur declared, throwing the book across the room.

The book sailed across the room until it was caught by the Minotaur it had been thrown to. "Come on Drax, this is what you want right?" The Minotaur taunted, swinging the book back and forth.

Drax chuckled lightly as he finished the last of his chili and stood up. "If that's how it's going to be, then bring it!" Drax roared, aiming his horns towards the Minotaur holding his book, striking his hoof against the floor before charging straight towards the Minotaur.





Warden watched in silence at the cafeteria as all of the Minotaurs inside broke out into a fight. What was once a civilized dinner turned into a cesspool of fights and acts of barbarism. He could understand the Minotaur's, they were barbaric by nature, many had tried to civilize them and all had failed. Warden could accept the fact that Minotaur's could never truly become civilized, but he refused to accept was the unicorn mare who was wrestling a Minotaur, and winning. He couldn't believe a unicorn, let alone a mare, would lower herself to such brutish nature. It just wasn't right.

Warden turned his back to the cafeteria, no reason left to watch. As he left he spoke a word that he believed best suited the kind of creatures he had to deal with.

"Savages."





Drax stormed out of the cafeteria, the book in his hand, and sat on the steps. He opened up the book, hoping that he would get to read it in peace. The door behind him opened.

"Drax. What are ya doin?" Rough House sighed, shaking her head.

"Reading." Drax answered bluntly, not looking up from his book.

"No." Rough House took a seat next to him. "You're tryin' ta read. Both are very different things."

"I can read." Drax huffed.

"Drax, its nothin' ta be ashamed of. None of the other guys can read and-"

Drax pointed to the page which had information about a Crystal and said,



"The crystal known as 'Creeping Crystal' is the most dangerous and harmful crystal ever seen. It spreads fast and releases a poisonous gas that, while not instantly fatal can be if exposed to someone for a certain period of time. But while this gem is the most dangerous, it is also the most expensive gem there is. It has a large price because it is very durable and is ranked 10 on the Mohs scale."



Drax read word for word about the gem known as "Creeping Crystal". When he looked up from the book and at Rough House her expression was priceless. Her mouth hung unhinged and her eyes were wide in shock.

"If it means anything I have no idea what a 'Mohs scale' is." Drax lightly grinned.

"Where the hay did ya learn ta read?" Rough House demanded, still shocked.

"That's between me, and the book." Drax gave Rough House a toothy grin.

"Well then maybe the book would be happy to give me some answers."

Both Drax and Rough House shot up and stood at attention when they heard Warden speak. Warden used his magic and took the book from Drax and brought it towards him. He examined the title and the page Drax had been reading, when he saw the page his face flashed a shade of pale for a split second. "Where did you get this?" He demanded from Drax, who didn't say a word. "You will speak when spoken to Beast. Now tell me where you got this. Now!"

Drax flinched upon Warden's shout, he opened his mouth to speak.

"I took it."

Warden and Drax whipped their head's towards Rough House, who had spoken.

"You, took it?" Warden asked. "From where exactly?"

"From your office." Rough House answered, standing firmly and unwavering. "I thought I should try and let these guys read somethin'. Ya know, educate them a little."

Warden starred at Rough House baffled before composing himself. "When you're done with your work report to my office at once." He glared at Rough House before storming off.

Once Warden was gone, Drax grabbed Rough House by the shoulders and shook her while yelling, "are you crazy?! Why would you do something like that?! Warden's going to kill you!"

Rough House pushed Drax's arms away from her. "Don't y'all worry about me, I know how ta handle myself. Warden isn't the only one who can use magic after all."





Drax constantly thought about Rough House, not a minute passed that he felt worried about her. The worry was able to keep Drax awake, which is what he needed. All of the Minotaurs had called it a night and slept in the building that was their living quarters. All except for Drax, who was tasked to watch for the so called "thief". Drax waited in the storage building, hidden behind an empty cart. The building housed piles of ore collected from various sectors ranging from sector A and sector G.

Drax waited for what seemed like hours. Eventually his body gave out and he dozed off.

*Thunk*

A sudden sound awoke Drax from his sleep. Slowly, and carefully, he peaked his head over the cart. He looked to the center of the floor and saw that some of the wood floorboards had been lifted up. There was a quite muttering coming from pile E. Drax couldn't see what, but he knew that it was the one who was stealing from pile E.

Drax stood up and approached pile E. He stood in front of the pile and watched as whoever, or whatever, was grabbing a bunch of ores and cradled them in his arm.

"So, you're the thief." Drax spoke, catching the creature's attention.

"The Thief? Where?" The creature asked, dropping some of the ores.

Drax grabbed the creature, by what he could only assume was it's neck, and brought it closer so that he could see him. The creature was a Diamond Dog, with grey skin, sharp unclipped claws, orange eyes, and wore a dusty black leather jacket.

"You're the one stealing the ores aren't you?" Drax jabbed a finger in the Diamond Dog's chest.

"Steal? No, Fleeze is no thief." The Diamond Dog, now know as Fleeze said.

"You were taking what does not belong to you." Drax stated. "Last time I checked that's the very definition of a thief."

"Don't be ridiculous, Fleeze is no thief. After all," Fleeze paused, his eyes glowed orange as he spoke.
"Everything in the world belongs to me
Because giving away is such a chore.
What's mine is mine
AND NOT YOURS!"

A bright flash of orange light blinded Drax, causing his hands to automatically cover his eyes and dropping Fleeze in the process. Fleeze gathered up the ores he had dropped and bolted out of the building.

"Get back here!" Drax roared, his sight returned as he chased after Fleeze.

Fleeze ran down a tunnel, running carefully as to make sure he didn't drop a single ore. Drax closed in on him, running at a slightly faster speed. Just as Drax was about to catch Fleeze, he turned a corner. This continued for a long time until Fleeze came upon a dead end. He skidded to a halt before running into it. Drax rounded the corner and saw that Fleeze was trapped.

"No where to run. Give up no and I won't hurt you...much." Drax smiled villainous, crack his knuckles.

"Fleeze wants many things in life. A warm house, a loving family with nine pups, wealth beyond measure. But pain, is not one of them." Fleeze said, tunneling into the ground.

Drax ran up to the hole Fleeze had made in hopes to catch him before he was no longer reachable. But it was to avail as Fleeze tunneled to deep.

"Haha!" Fleeze voice could be heard on the other side of the wall. "Mine, mine! All mine! Hehehehehe!" Fleeze cackled.

Drax realized that if he could hear Fleeze, then it meant he was on the other side of the wall, which meant that their was a room on the other side of the wall instead of it being completely solid. Drax cocked his arm and drove it into the wall. It hurt like hell but it created cracks in its structure. Drax threw punch after punch, creating more cracks in the wall until it gave out and broke.

Drax entered a large open area that was completely made of a clear crystalline substance. It covered the floor, walls, ceiling, and in the very middle was Fleeze, hovered around the ores. Drax stormed into the room, ready to give Fleeze a massive beat down. But without Fleeze even lifting a finger, Drax stumbled and fell as he started violently coughing.

"What *cough* *cough*...what did you *cough* *cough* did you do?" Drax asked, coughing even harder.

"Fleeze has done nothing. You're coughing because of the gas from the crystals. Fleeze is immune to the gas but you aren't." Fleeze giggled like an idiot as Drax's vision started to blur. "Fleeze thinks it is funny that you are affected by the gas while the thief is not. But do not fret, Fleeze will not kill you. Fleeze needs you to take care of the thief, so take a nice, long, nap."

And then Drax collapsed.





Drax's eyes shot open as he bolted upright. He frantically searched for Flees but he was no longer anywhere to be seen. Nor was Drax in the crystal room anymore. Drax had been moved to a separate tunnel, away from where had been.

"No." Drax moaned, holding his head in his hands. "No, no, no, no, no, no, no." Drax droned on, tears practically streaming down his cheeks.

He knew what was going to happen, he didn't know exactly what but he knew that Warden was going to hurt his mom. Drax loved his mom with all his heart and could not bear to see anything happen to her. That's when an idea popped into his head, what if he could take his mother's punishment? It was a risk but it was one Drax was willing to take. With his head hung low and his eyes glued to the floor, Drax made his way out of the tunnel.

He must've been in the tunnel for the longest time because when he entered the main area it seemed...brighter, somehow. Drax held his arm in front of his eyes, shielding them from the bright light until they had adjusted. When they did the first thing Drax saw was every Minotaur gathered around the cafeteria. At first Drax was confused, he didn't understand what was happening. He looked around and noticed that spot lights had been set up from most of the Unicorns down onto the cafeteria.

As Drax approached the group, he caught sight of his friend Coal and tapped him on the shoulder. Coal turned around and when he saw Drax his eyes widened.

"Coal what's-" Drax was cut off as Coal embraced him a tight hug.

"Thank goodness your alright. You had us worried sick when you didn't show up this morning." Coal said, it looked like he had been...crying. Coal then noticed that Drax was alone. "The thief?"

Drax slowly shook his head, unable to look Coal in the eyes.

"As if this day couldn't get any worse." Coal mumbled. "Don't worry Drax, we'll think of something. We won't let Warden hurt your mom."

Drax looked Coal in the eyes and asked, "what do you mean by worse?"

It was Coal's turn now to avoid Drax's gaze.

"Coal...where's Rough House?" Drax asked, his voice shaking.

Coal looked like he was going to cry.

Drax looked to the cafeteria and his eyes went wide in disbelief. He didn't want to accept it, he refused to accept it. Drax shoved past Coal, who didn't try to stop him. Drax moved in a straight line, pushing any Minotaur in his way out of it. He came to the edge of the group which had circled around the cafeteria and he saw why everyone had gathered.

The cafeteria, or at least half of it, was now buried underneath multiple stones and rocks. Unicorn's use their magic to carefully pick out rock piece after piece, ensuring that it would not collapse or possibly cause more rocks to fall. To the side of the pile of rubble, lying on a white blanket and being tended to by unicorns, was Rough House. Drax rushed up to the mare and fell to his knees when he got a closer look.

Rough House, his friend and someone he cared about equally as much as his own mother, was dead. He wanted there to be even just a sliver of hope but there wasn't any sign of hope in this moment. Rough House's eyes were glassy and fogged like a corpse's. He once beating heart was now silent and her rising chest stood dead still. Drax couldn't bring himself to words, he couldn't even think properly.

"I'm sorry." The unicorn mare looking Rough House over apologized. "I wish there was something we could do."

"How..." Drax choked. "How did she...how did she...how did she die?"

"That's the strange thing actually." The mare said. "Statistics showed multiple signs of blunt force trauma. But what she had originally died from, was her neck being closed off. Almost like she had been choked by something." The unicorn stood up. "I'll leave you alone."

Drax starred at Rough House and a powerful emotion swept over him. Anger. Anger towards himself, anger towards his brethren for not being there to help her, and anger towards everyone and everything.

"What are you all still doing here?" Warden demanded. "Get back to your posts right now before I have you all suspended."

Drax lifted his head up to where Warden had been standing, a nasty and horrible thought then occurred to him. One that made him seethe with anger. He stood up, took on final glance at Rough House, and stomped over towards Warden.

Warden noticed Drax moving towards him and addressed him. "E-62, what do you think you're doing?" He asked.

Drax didn't respond, he kept moving forward.

"I asked you a question E-62, and you will answer me when-" Warden it himself short as Drax's fist came to be nearly inches away from his face. Had it not been for his magic restraining Drax, he would've felt the full force of his blow.

Everyone, and I mean everyone, froze and became dead quiet. Warden narrowed his eyes towards Drax and in his calm and collected manner spoke, "E-62, I want you to explain your actions this instant before I do something drastic."

"You killed her." Drax growled, struggling to resist Warden's magic.

Warden raised an eyebrow. "Care to repeat that?"

"You killed her." Drax repeated, starting to lose control of his anger. "She was only trying to protect me and you killed her."

"What in Celestia's name are you talking about?" Warden demanded.

"Oh, Fleeze thinks you know exactly what he's talking about."

Warden motioned his head, Drax moved his eyes because he was currently immobilized, over to where they saw the Diamond Dog Fleeze sitting comfortably on a rock with his legs crossed and leaning on his left arm. He wore an orange suit with a black one underneath that had a symbol on his chest. His eyes seemed a darker shade of orange than before and he had metal locker nearly twice his size next to him. Warden's eyes widened when he saw the locker and his face went pale.

"You again!" Drax roared. "Go away, I don't want to see you."

"Drax does not need to see Fleeze." Fleeze said. "Drax only needs to hear what Fleeze has to say. Fleeze knows what happened when the mare and thief had their argument. Wouldn't you like to hear what Fleeze has to say?"

"You know what happened last night?" Drax asked and Fleeze nodded. "Then tell me everything."

"Gladly." Fleeze grinned, excited to tell his tale. "It all started after you passed out. Fleeze needed you alive so Fleeze dragged you to a part of the cave where there was no deadly level of gas. After that, Fleeze decided to return to his crystal's before the thief took more of them. But Fleeze did not find the thief stealing Fleeze's crystal's, instead Fleeze saw the thief arguing with a mare. The two yelled and screamed like dogs fighting over a slab of meat. The thief thought that the mare had discovered the thief's plan and thought that the mare was trying to tell the workers in secret. Because of the thief's assumption, he killed the mare by choking her to death."

There was numerous murmuring among the crowd before Warden yelled.

"What kind of lies are you talking about?!" Warden demanded. "I never killed Rough House. I suspended her for stealing from my office. Nothing more."

"Is that so?" Fleeze asked, as he grabbed the handle on the locker. "Then how do you explain," Fleeze paused as he opened the locker. "This?"

Shards and pieces of Creeping Crystal poured out of the locker, collecting into a pool. An invisible gas escaped from the locker, one that made all of the minotaurs start coughing.

"This is a gem known as 'Creeping Crystal'." Fleeze explained, as the very ground beneath the gems started to turn from rock to Creeping Crystal. "The surface of anything it touches is instantly turned into Creeping Crystal. It also releases a gas which is poisonous to anyone not protected by magic. The thief has been coming down to Fleeze's home and stealing these crystals from Fleeze while you all sleep, and collecting them for his own personal use."

"That's not true!" Warden shouted in defense. "I admit that I have been collecting the Creeping Crystal in secret, but that's only because it poses a threat to everyone in this mine. I collected a majority of the crystal's and kept them in that locker which prevents them from spreading."

"A lie. A good one Fleeze must admit, but a lie is still a lie." Fleeze looked to Drax. "What say you Drax?"

"What?" Drax asked.

"Who do you wish to believe?" Fleeze asked. "Think long and hard about this. Who was it who treated you beneath him? Who was it that threatened those you care about? Who was it that killed your friend?" 

Drax eyes began to glow crimson red as he looked towards Warden. "You." He growled.

Warden took a step back, noticing that Drax was somehow beginning to slowly break free from his magical grip.

"That's right, and how does that make you feel Drax? Pretty angry right?" Fleeze asked before thinking about it. "No, anger's to soft of a word to describe it. Fleeze thinks that the correct word would have to be, Rage."

Crimson red smoke began to fume from Drax's mouth, his chest heaved up in down as his breathing rapidly increased to match the loud pumping of his heart.

"That's it Drax, unleash your power. Show them that your hatred is far superior to anything that the can do." Fleeze smiled wickedly.

"What is this?! What have you done?!" Warden demanded from Fleeze.

"Fleeze has done nothing, it is you who has built this hatred inside of him and now it will be you who will suffer for it."

Warden faced towards Drax and ordered, "E-62, stand down at once!"

More crimson red smoke fumed from Drax's mouth.

"Did you hear me E-62? I said-HRK!" Warden choked as Drax's hand instantly wrapped itself around Warden's neck and he was hoisted up to Drax's eye level.

"MY NAME!"

Drax's voice became deeper and darker as Warden squirmed, trying to free himself from Drax's grip. Drax took his other and grabbed Warden's head.

"IS!"

Warden screamed bloody murder as Drax began to pull on his head.

"DRAX'S!!!!" 

Warden's head was ripped clean off by Drax's full might. His body twitched as spurts of blood shot from the hole where his neck once stood. Drax dropped both the body and head of the warden. He reserved his head back and unleashed a bloodcurdling roar that shook the very mountain itself.

"RRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!!!"

And everything became crimson red.
> Chapter 5: Death 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Dead do not speak for they have said all that there is to be spoken .

-King Sombra





The Crystal Empire, despite its frazzled and bewildered state, was beginning to repair itself from the recent attack caused by the Griffons. There wasn't much to repair, just a couple of fires to be put out, some holes in buildings to be repaired, Crystal Ponies who had hurt themselves by either scraping their knees or getting a bruise was being treated by first aid. Honestly the only real damage the Griffons did was when they blew up the Crystal Heart and almost toppled the Palace. Luckily, thanks to Shining Armor and Cadence, the Palace did not crush a fourth of the empire, and thanks to Sunburst and everyone in the Crystal Empire the Crystal Heart was successfully repaired.

But what had truly damaging to the Empire was that the Griffons could return and do possibly worse damage than before. Also what was on everyone's mind, but was unable to be answered, was how Flash was able to defeat Gideon. But before anyone could ask him, he retreated to his quarters.

Flash watched from the window at the bustling ponies as they worked on rebuilding the Empire.

You have questions.

"Yeah, no duh." Flash said flatly. "A lot of questions actually."

And I have answers. Ask me a question, one at a time, and I will answer.

Flash thought before asking his first question, "what are you?"

I have told you already. I am an Element of Atlas, the Guardian. My power comes from protecting those who cannot protect themselves.

"Yeah but...what the heck is an Element of Atlas?" Flash asked.

The Elements of Atlas are the Elementals who hold the world on their shoulders with their power. You are one of six.

"Six? You mean there are others like me?" Flash asked, pointing to himself.

Yes and no. There are other Elementals but there is only one Guardian.

"What are these other Elemental's?" Flash asked.

To understand the Elementals one must first understand of the five branches. Would you like me to tell you?

"Yes." Flash answered.

There are five types of Elementals. These five are Atlas, the Spectrum, Nature, Harmony, Life and Death.

"Wait," Flash counted in his head. "Isn't that six Elements?"

Life and Death is considered one branch of the Elemental Star.

"Oh. So these other Elements of Atlas, who or what are they?" Flash asked.

There are six Elements in each branch. These Elementals are known as the Guardian, [color=3c26af]Element of Protection, the Warrior, Element of Battle, the Traveler, Element of Speed, the See-er, Element of Sight, the Berserker, Element of Might, and the Armory, Element of Weapon-making. These are the Elements of Atlas.

"What about the other Elements, like the Elements of the Spectrum, and Nature, and..." Flash's eyes widened in realization. "The Elements of Harmony...wait isn't that-"

Kindness, Honesty, Loyalty, Generosity, and Laughter. These are the five Elements which make up the power of Harmony.

"But I don't understand." Flash shook his head. "I thought there was only one type of Elements."

The reason why you think that is because the other Elements were sealed away inside an object called Pandora's Box. It wasn't until today, that a pony who goes by the name 'The Master' freed all of the Elements.

"And Gideon was one of them." Flash assumed. "Which one was Gideon, that Griffon guy."

His power is unknown, the only information I could gather from him is that he was an Elemental of the Spectrum.

"The Spectrum, Nature, Life and Death. What do these Elements do anyways?" Flash asked.

Each Element is unique, the Atlas is a group of elements who take power from those worthy. The Warrior, for example, is an Elemental who is driven to fight. The Spectrum, is a group of Elements who absorb power from emotion. Nature is much like Atlas, Nature chooses its host by their personality. Finally there is Life and Death, how these Elements choose is unknown. But Life and Death are the most powerful.

Flash raised a brow, intrigued. "How are they the most powerful?" He asked.

Imagine each branch has a percentage of power to 100%. Now imagine that power distributed to each Elemental by one sixth. Each Elemental therefore has 16.5% of the branches power, this is not the case for Life and Death. Because there is only two, the branches magic is distributed by 50% instead of 16.5%. Making them more powerful than the others.

"Geez...what can the Elements of Life and Death do anyways?" Flash asked.

...

"Well?"

Oh, I'm sorry, was that not rhetorical?

"Ha, ha." Flash rolled his eyes. "Just tell me."

Your lack of enthusiasm is disturbing, I thought the answer to the power of the Elements of Life and Death would've been obvious. It seems I was wrong, and I shall correct this. The Element of Life is a white element that grants its host the power of healing and regeneration. It is also cable of resurrection.

Flash ears twitched upon the words 'resurrection'. "When you say resurrection, do you mean like zombies or something like that or-"

If by zombie you mean a corpse that has missing pieces of flesh, then no. The Element of Life is capable of bringing a once living creature back to life completely restored as if the one never died.

"Oh...and Death."

The Element of Death is the opposite of the Element of Life. Instead of healing and resurrecting, the Element of Death kills and destroys. The Element of Death is so powerful, its host only needs to touch your heart and you die instantly.





The Griffon Empire, a massive cluster of homes and buildings surrounded a rather wide and short castle made of stone. The Griffon Empire had three major cities as neighbors, there was Griffonstone, Handleburg, and Clayvein. GriffonStone had once been the very jewel of the Empire, shining bright and proud underneath the Griffon banner. But now, now the Griffon Empire was a joke, a laughing stock among the races. But that was something that was about to be dealt with.

Lexus, along with the rest of the soldier's, watched in awe as they passed over the Empire. They had missed their home, their families and loved ones. But their was a vacancy among the crowd, and its name was Gideon. Gideon didn't lean against the railing like his soldiers and Uncle did, instead he stayed in the center of the ship looking off into the distance. Lexus took his gaze from the city and approached his nephew.

"You should see this nephew, the Empire's never looked better." Lexus stated.

Gideon remained silent for a moment, continuing to stare off into the distance. "It was her wasn't it?"

Lexus sighed, averting his gaze at Gideon. "Yes, your sister sent the letter." He admitted.

"So we're still banished." Gideon assumed.

"Not exactly." Lexus rubbed the back of his head rather awkwardly. "My brother did sign the letter with his seal of approval, allowing us to return. But it was your sister, Aurora, who sent the letter."

"What is it she wants?" Gideon asked.

Lexus shrugged. "She didn't say." He lied. "Just that we were summoned here."

"Is that so?"

Gideon's sister, Aurora, was the Princess of the Griffon Empire, and was clarified by some as the devil. Aurora was cunning, vicious, and precise, along with other powerful traits. She was one year younger than Gideon, but when she was born into this world, no one could ever suspect the woman she had become.

Gideon's airship slowly docked itself at the sky port, the wooden plank fell connecting the ship and deck. Standing at the deck was an organized legion of Griffin soldiers, each wore armor made of steel which covered their whole body and neck along with a helmet. All but the female Griffon standing in front of the airship, the Griffon was adorned in steel armor like the soldiers behind him, only she didn't wear a helmet, showing off the red feathers on her chest, white feathers on her head, and blue pupils. When Gideon's soldiers saw the Griffin before them they saluted her by pounding their fist against their chest.

"Hail!" They shouted. "Hail to you Second General Vex!"

The Griffon observed Gideon's soldiers before saluting to them. "Hail to you, brave soldiers. Welcome home." She said.

"It is an honor Ma'am!" Gideon's soldiers said in perfect unison.

The Griffon, now know as Vex, turned her gaze to both Gideon and Lexus, who were at the edge of the plank that was connected to the ship. "Return to your homes at once." She ordered Gideon's soldiers.

The soldiers stood stone still, some of their gazes looking to Gideon for a second or two, as if silent asking for his permission. They may have been soldiers to the Empire, but they were loyal to the royalty first, Empire second. Gideon saw these signs in his troops and ordered, "do as she says, you all know what happens when you cross Vex."

Gideon's troops saluted before exiting. Lexus and Gideon walked down to the plank to meet Vex, who extended her arm for a greeting. Lexus, instead of a clawshake, decided it would be best if he would give Vex a bear hug. "It's so good to see my Niece-in-law." He exclaimed before putting her down. "Look at how big you've grown."

"Uncle, you've only been gone for three days." Vex stated as she readjusted herself. "And its good to see you too."

Vex, rarely known as Princess Vex, was the daughter of the Griffoness who went by the name Givra. Givra was the sister of the Griffoness who went by the name Ruby, and Ruby was Gideon's mother. Which made Vex and Gideon cousins. Of course, while Givra was Ruby's sister, she wasn't born as royalty. But rather, over time, she fought and trained hard enough to become the first Griffoness in the Royal Guard, and after she had done that, she soon became the first and only Griffoness general.

"Welcome back Gideon." Vex said, extending her arm.

Gideon looked at Vex's extended arm then back to Vex. "Where is Aurora and my dad?" He asked.

Vex flashed a sign of sadness before it returned to her normal self as she lowered her arm. "They're both in the throne room, they're waiting for you now." 

Gideon walked past Vex, down the dock towards the entrance of the castle, his eyes glued on the door. Vex and Lexus shared a glance of disappointment before walking after him.






Past


In the castle of the Griffin Empire, in the room with red colored carpet, a bed with an oak frame and red covers, matching oak furniture, a door which led to a bathroom, and a door which led to the walk-in closet. In the bed was a Griffoness with red feathers all over her body, black feathers on her neck, chest, and head, and she had ocean blue eyes. The Griffoness was Aurora, Princess of the Empire, and she had just woken up. Her upper body rose, she stretched her arms and body which gave off slightly audible cracks. She removed the covers and walked over to her bathroom where she looked in the large mirror. Her reflection showed a Griffoness with multiple feathers sticking out, unkempt and messy. She looked at the reflection and became furious.

"Maids!" She roared.

"You called your highness?"

At the entrance of the bathroom were two Griffonesses, both wearing a maid outfit and spoke in unison. The maids had impeccable timing, as was expected for them.

"Clean, now." Aurora ordered.

"At once your Grace." The two bowed as they entered the bathroom and drew a hot bath.

As Aurora soaked in the water, the maids washed her head and claws until everything was sparkling clean. Once they were done, Aurora dried herself off while the maids brushed and combed her feathers. Aurora looked in the mirror once more, this time her reflection showed a beautiful and elegant Griffoness who looked to be the perfect image of importance. Satisfied, she ordered the maids to leave but halfway through the order the maids had removed any trace of their presence. As was expected.

Aurora walked past her window and stopped as something caught her eye. She turned her head to look out the window where she saw a beacon of light which soared past the sky. From the beam, numerous colored objects shot out and raised through the sky with a trail matching its color following it. The beacon faded and two small objects could be seen, one bright white, one pitch black. The two shot in the opposite direction of the other, both leaving a trail which matched their color. The black objected soared until it could no longer be seen, the white one did the same.

At first Aurora thought nothing of the objects, until the black object reappeared, soaring in the opposite direction before disappearing. Then it happened again, the black object reappeared and then disappeared over the horizon. Then reappeared, and disappeared. The black object continued this loop twenty more times before coming to a halt and flew straight towards Aurora.

The black object was in front of Aurora within seconds. Aurora slightly flinched, taking two steps back. She now had a better look at the object, it was shaped like a triangle but with five black streaks attached to the bottom. It floated in front of Aurora at eye level.

"Greetings." It spoke, the voice sounded raspy and ghostlike, almost as if it was...dead.

"I'm having a bit of trouble, you wouldn't by chance know of anyone worthy of the Element of Death?"

Aurora blinked twice showing her confusion. "What?" She asked.

"Oh right, I've been gone for about three thousand something years haven't I? No matter, I'll save you the boring explanation and just show you." The object said, as it attached itself to Aurora's forehead.

A blackness flooded Aurora's eyes, completely engulfing them until they were completely black. Images flashed within her mind, showing her things she could've never imagined. It was from these images that Aurora learned of the five branched star. A symbol which categorized Elements, each with their own unique power. Aurora learned that the object talking to her was known as the Element of Death, a powerful magical artifact which gave the one who wielded it unbelievable power.

The blackness in her eyes washed away as quickly as it had came, the Element of Death removing itself from Aurora's forehead.

"Now that you understand, could you point me in the direction of anyone worthy?" The Element asked.

"As a matter of fact, I can." A wicked grin spread across Aurora's face.

"Splendid! Now who might this host be?"

"You're looking at her." Aurora answered.

The Element became silent, as if pondering before it gave Aurora it's response.

"BAHAHAHAHA!" The Element burst out laughing. "You? Worthy? Not a chance."

Aurora became furious. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?!" Aurora demanded. "I saw the past Elementals and I am more than worthy!"

"Tsk, tsk, tsk." The Element of Death slightly shook, as if shaking in disappointment. "It is true that you have potential to be my host but there is just one thing missing."

"And what's that?" She demanded.

"Your connection to others." The Element answered. "You see, Death is singular, unified, and alone. Death has no bonds or connections to others as those connections make you weak."

"I have no connections or bonds to anyone." Aurora stated.

"Wrong."

"It's true." Aurora said. "My brother is a half-wit who spends more time in the barracks with the soldiers than doing anything a royal should be doing, my father is to busy trying to keep the Empire from falling apart he doesn't have any time at all with his daughter, my mother died when I was only ten years old, I have no friends or spend any time with the commoners. I am the definition of singularity."

"Wrong again, it's true the bond you have is weak but it is the only thing that prevents you from becoming my host." The Element of Death said as it began to slowly float away, phasing through the window. "Remember, Friendship is weakness." The Element said as it soared off into the distance.

"No. NO!" Aurora screamed, as she chased after the Element, but the window prevented her, so all she could do was bang against it and scream.

"Your highness!"

Aurora froze, her balled up claws rested against the window's glass surface. Slowly her head turned to see the two maids behind her. Their faces covered with the expression of worry. Slowly, Aurora removed herself from the window and collapsed on the floor. The two maids rushed to her side, hugging her and giving her comfort.

"There, there your Grace." The first maid said.

"It's alright, we're here for you." The second maid said.

"As we always have been." The first maid said.

"And always will be." The second maid said.

Realization dawned on Aurora as her head slowly rose to meet the faces of her maids. Her mind flashed back to when she was five years old, when her mother and father were to busy, whenever she would feel alone or hurt she would cry out, and the maids would be there. They had always been there for her, in times of hardship and times of fright they were there for her. She soon grew attached to the maids, it felt almost like they were her family. No, her family never cared for her, to say the maids were her family meant that they had abandoned her too. But they never did, the maids weren't her family they were something else.

They were her friends.

They were her weakness.

Aurora rose, whipping the tears from her eyes as she faced the two maids. The two maids welcomed their Princesses gaze with a smile. Aurora uttered four words,

"Thank you, for everything."

And then she drove her claws into their chests.

Streams of fresh blood washed over her claws and dripped onto the carpet. The two maids stood in shock and confusion, not completely aware of what had just happened. It wasn't until they saw Aurora holding their hearts in the palm of her claw that they understood what had happened.

Without warning or hesitation, she tightened her talons around the hearts, causing blood to ooze from them. The maids tried to shout, to scream for help, but nothing came from them as they both collapsed, a puddle of blood forming around the two. Aurora looked at the two now lifeless maids, the ones who had been there for her her whole life. All the memories they shared flashed inside Aurora's mind, every detail noticed and seen. 

And as the images passed through her head she felt...nothing. No sadness, anger, joy, regret, or disappointment, she felt...empty, and yet, somehow, she felt complete. As though the feeling of emptiness was the true feeling, the one true thing in this world.

"Bravo."

Aurora looked behind her to see the Element of Death once more.

"You have passed the worthy test." The Element stated. "Tell me, how does it make you feel?"

Aurora looked to her claws, the now silent hearts of the maids in her claw. "I feel..." Aurora paused, thinking of the word to describe what she was feeling. "I feel...complete, but...there's something missing."

"I can help with that." The Element of Death said as it slowly emerged itself into Aurora's chest. "To be completely one with death you must speak the oath. Speak the oath and remove yourself from all chains of the living, speak the words and you will be free." The Element of Death said.

Aurora's eyes became black as the words appeared inside her mind. With her voice and the voice of the Element mixed together she spoke.


"To those with the purest hearts
Know that Friendship is a lie
By my claw of darkness
All of you shall DIE!"

> Chapter 6: Faith
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"It's true, anyone can live off of faith alone. But they won't live for long."

-TheStoryteller





Within the throne room in the Canterlot Castle, Celestia sat in her golden framed, red cushioned, chair with a book opened in front of her and a cup of tea with steam coming off the liquid surface as it sat in the small white plate.

The large wooden door's were burst open as a guard rushed in. He quickly kneeled and tried to speak but all he could muster was out of breath wheezes. Celestia waited for the guard to catch his breath, sitting in silence.

"...a thousand...pardons...your majesty..." The guard coughed. "...but...the Crystal...Empire...has been...captured..."

"WHAT?!" Celestia roared, her booming voice shook the castle walls.

Another guard entered the room, he too kneeled quickly and spoke out of breath, "great news...your highness...the invaders...at the Crystal...Empire...have been...defeated..."

Celestia did a double take before sitting back down. "Oh...that's good I guess." Celestia shook her head. "Nonetheless, send aid to the Empire at once."

The guards were through mid salute before their bodies were lifted into the air and chucked out the room, the large doors slammed shut behind them. Celestia stood in confusion before Discord appeared before her standing on his hind legs with his arms crossed and a frown on his face.

Celestia knew what happened when the God of havoc entered a room and was in no mood for it. "Begone Discord, I have no time to play your games." She said.

Discord said nothing, instead he snapped his fingers and a small, perfectly shaped, box landed in his paw. Celestia's eyes widened at the sight of the box. Her eyes widened further when Discord began to open it.

"Wait-STOP!" She demanded, but Discord ignored her as he undid the latch and the box's lid flung open.

And nothing happened.

Celestia braced herself for a massive burst if magic to come shooting out of the box but nothing happened. Perplexed, she looked at Discord and saw that the box was empty. Her moment of relief was short lived as it was replaced with horror.

"The Elements!" She exclaimed. "They're-"

"Gone." Discord finished for Celestia, throwing the box behind his shoulder. "All of them. The Elements of the Spectrum, the Elements of Atlas, the Elements of Nature, The Element of Life, the Element of Death, and the Oddities. All of them were released, and nearly half of them have found hosts."

Celestia put two and two together and her horror increased. "The Crystal Empire!"

"Yes, it was attacked by an Elemental." Discord stroked the white hair on his chin. "The Element of Fear I believe. It chose a Griffon who stormed the Empire and took it in only five minutes."

"Five...minutes..." Celestia slumped in her throne, holding her head. "How is that possible? The Elements should be weak after all the time in the box, not stronger."

"It seems we were wrong." Discord stated. "The box did prevent the Elements from finding new hosts, but it didn't cut of their connection to magic. All that time spent in the box, they were building massive amounts of magical energy inside of them. So much, that these Elementals are twenty times stronger than the previous ones."

Celestia's mind couldn't begin to comprehend the spark of chaos that was about to ignite a roaring fire. But there were questions that needed to be answered, and Celestia had no time to stand around and do nothing. Now was the time for action. "Discord, I was informed that the attack on the Crystal Empire failed. How did this happen?" Celestia ordered.

"In the midst of the invasion, another Elemental fought against the Element of Fear and won." Discord answered.

"And who is this Elemental?" Celestia asked.

"His name is Flash Sentry." Discord answered. "He's a Pegasus and a royal guard in the empire."

"I'll have him brought here at once." Celestia declared before continuing. "But for now, I want the Royal Guard, Wonderbolts, troops, my entire army to strengthen Equestria's borders. We cannot allow the Elementals to threaten my citizens."





Forester felt...strange. Not the weird kind of strange, but...a different kind of strange. His body felt hot, but it was not a burning sensation, it felt more along the lines of a warm kind of glow that wrapped around his body like a fresh hot towel. He didn't know what was happening, but he felt has though he was hovering in open space. Free, no longer chained to the physical world, floating aimlessly like the wind. It felt wonderful, the amazing feeling was unlike anything Forester had ever felt before in his life, he felt complete. He felt peace.

So then why did it feel wrong?

Forester didn't notice it at first, but over time the feeling grew. A gnawing sensation at the back of his mind, that transformed from a silent whisper to a screaming roar. Forester couldn't ignore the sensation any longer, it was trying to tell him something, but what could it be?

'Forester.'

Forester searched frantically around the white void he was trapped in for the audible voice that he heard. When he couldn't find it he spoke, demanding answers,

"Where am I?" Was his first question. "What is this place?"

'There is no time for explanations Forester. You must awake. Awake for there is a life in danger.'

"Life...in danger..." Forester shook his head. "I don't understand, what are you talking about?"

'Awaken.'

Then the white void vanished, and the next thing Forester knew, was that he was falling.





Forester's eyes shot open and he bolted upright, his chest pumping and his breathing heavy. Forester took some time to calm himself before he realized where he was. He was in a bed, with woven sheets and guard rails along the bed side. He looked around and began to notice the similarities of the place. Forester was in the hospital, he knew of the rooms and all their works as he volunteered to help work for his Confirmation. Forester realized he was wearing a white robe around his entire body with a white checkered scarf around his neck.

Forester remembered how to remove the lock on the guard rails and lowered the rails. He shifted his body as the lower half hung over the side. Forester pushed himself off the bed and landed on all fours. His legs trembled and shook as they tried to support Forester's weight. Once they had adjusted, Forester made his way towards the door and exited.

He clung to the wall, using the solid object to support him as he made his way down the halls. Over time his legs no longer shook and he could support himself again. He walked around the building, searching for a nurse or doctor he could talk to. It wasn't until he came to a four-way path that he saw Deer, a family of them actually. A mother, father, and their younger son sitting on the dad's back.

They had left a room, shutting the door quietly to make sure they didn't make any form of loud noise. As Forester approached them, the young one asked,

"Is Fawn gonna be bedder daddy?" He asked, his mind not able to properly pronounce words.

Forester froze at the mention of Fawn. Was their something wrong with him? Did something happen?

The father couldn't speak, he could only hang his head low an aura of helplessness surrounded him. The mother tried to show her son a look of reassurance, but couldn't as she spoke while trying to hold back tears. "Fawn's gonna be just fine sweetie." She was lying, why was she lying?

Forester's curiosity got the better of him as he slowly turned the knob and opened the door. Inside was a small room with a bed in the center of the room, tables near them with vials of colored liquid and numerous ingredients, no doubt to be used for some type of healing potion. That's when Forester's eyes fell on the occupant of the singular bed.

It was Fawn, and he looked sick. Worse than sick.

Fawn's chest lifted high then dropped as it pushed out wheezes of air. Beads of sweat trickled down his forehead and entire body as it tried to cool it down. A thick tangle of black lines that stretched from his shoulder to his chest could be seen under his skin, and with the top half of her body lying on the bed was the female calf known as Hazel.

"Hazel." Forester's voice caused the female to look up from the bed and lay eyes on Forester. When she saw him she bolted towards Forester and buried her face in his chest, a slight dampness could be felt on Forester's chest.

She was crying, she still was. Tears of pain, sorrow, and remorse dripped onto Forester's chest. Why?

"F-F-Forester...F-Faw-wn is...is...he's..." The crying calf couldn't bring herself to speak as she choked on her own words.

Forester pulled Hazel closer, embracing her as he tried to give her some form of comfort. But Hazel didn't need to speak for Forester already knew what was happening. Hazel let Forester go and he walked over to the sick Fawn. Fawn looked at Forester with his cold, weak, painful eyes, mustering a smile with the strength he had.

"Hi...Forest...er...how...are you...doing?" Fawn found it very hard to speak, as he had to wheeze every time he spoke.

"I'm doing alright Fawn." Forester said, moving on to the question at hoof. "What happened to you?"

"I'm...glad...you're...okay." Fawn smiled weakly before continuing. "I...got...poisoned.....by a...snake...tried to...attack you...got...in its...way to...protect...you."

Fawn tried as hard as he could to speak, but with every breath he uttered it only brought him pain. Forester held Fawn's hoof and said,

"Don't worry Fawn, everything will be okay. Just you wait, by tomorrow you'll be up and playing with your friends like nothing had happened."

Fawn smiled as he closed his eyes, resting. Forester didn't want to interrupt his sleep, so he and Hazel exited the room. Giving Fawn a final glance before leaving





There was something off, but Gideon couldn't put his talon on it.

The Griffon Empire, while commanded by the Emperor, was actually run by two sets of power. The first was, of course, the Emperor who was in charge of the army, dealing with national things, and the minority of the rule. The second, was the council. A group comprised of thirty two Griffon's tasked with declaring war and dealing with the majority of the rule. Gideon, Vex, and Lexus stood in the council's room, which was a circular building with three rows of tables that stretched up and sat each member of the council. In the center of the room were four thrones that stood on a higher stand. Each throne was made for a certain royal. The Emperor, the Empress, the daughter, and the son.

Gideon stared at his throne, remembering how big it was compared to his size. It had only been three days, three days since he was forced to leave his home and everything that he held dear. His home, his honor, his title, his family, everything.

And now he was back. Back in the land he called home. Nostalgic memories flooded Gideon's mind, memories of his sister and him playing on the thrones as kids while their parents watched. Gideon remembered how all the adults used to tell him to enjoy being a kid while he could, Gideon instead couldn't wait to become an adult. Now Gideon wanted more than anything to be a kid again. To be young and absent minded to all the cruel horrors of the world. That would be the gift of a lifetime.

The doors opened, and everyone in the Council rose as Aurora entered the room.

"Be seated." She ordered and the Council sat. She made her way towards the three Griffon's and gave them a grin. "Hello dear brother." She said, opening her arms for a hug but Gideon only glared. "Try to be nice and this is what I get." She muttered before facing Lexus and extending her arm for a clawshake. "Hello uncle."

Lexus hesitantly extended his arm and shook Aurora's claw. "A pleasure to see you as well my niece."

Aurora then walked up to Vex and with a pleasant smile said, "hello Mistake."

Vex wanted to smack Aurora for what she said, but she knew her place and bowed. "A pleasant evening to you too, your grace."

Aurora smiled triumphantly as she turned her back to the three and approached her throne, where she sat. "Now then, onto the business at claw." She said. "In case you didn't know, there has been some rumors that you attacked the Crystal Empire and nearly succeeded in conquering it, but failed when you challenged a pony to a Duell der Schwerter and lost. Is this true?"

Gideon remained quiet, not speaking a word for a while before responding. "Yes." He answered.

There were multiple whispers and mutters amongst the Council until Aurora ordered them to be silent.

"Tell me, Gideon, just how did you defeat those ponies?" She asked. "Those who wield magic, while you do not?"

"Because..." Gideon hesitated, not confident he should share the answer. But in the end he answered. "It's because I...I have a new power."

More murmuring and whispers.

"Care to demonstrate this 'new power' of yours?" Aurora asked.

Gideon obliged as his body became engulfed in a yellow aura. The aura's shine decreased and everyone saw Gideon now dressed in his yellow suit. His eyes glowed yellow as well as his claws, he raised his claws and every council member lifted into the air by his magic and were quickly put down.

"I don't know how to explain it, but I can use magic now. And it's not normal magic, it's more powerful and different. It's unlike any magic I've ever seen."

More murmurs and talking amongst the Council until one of them stood up and said, "Gideon is to put under close watch until the Council can come to a conclusion on what actions are to be taken. You three are to leave, that is all."





Dreams, a time when the mind is allowed to wander freely. When we dream we dream of things that have happened, and sometimes things that have yet to happen. You may not notice it but their are times that you dream of the future, and like any other dream you forget it over time. It isn't until the moment you dreamed of comes to pass that you get that nostalgic feeling, like you've seen it somewhere before. And just like the dream, it too fades away.

Flash was experiencing a dream of his own, not one of the past, but one of something that has yet to pass.

In his dream he dreamt of eighteen colored gems, each with its own unique color, or multiple colors, to it. These gems, despite their unique appearances, seemed almost the same, like they were one gem. But something was wrong, they were all fighting each other. Fighting over the same think they were all fighting for. It was wrong, all of it. Fighting each other was pointless, it would only lead to death. Flash wanted them to stop, they shouldn't have been fighting each other when the real enemy was upon them.

It was too late.

A thick, black swarm of some kind was heading towards the gems with the intention to kill. Flash had to stop it, he had to stop the darkness that was charging towards them. He had to protect the gems.

All of a sudden, the blue and gold gem raced towards the darkness and created a shield to halt its advance. But the darkness broke through the shield and devoured the gem, destroying it. But its sacrifice was not in vain, the gems had stopped fighting each other and were now fighting the darkness!

It kicked and screamed in pain as it felt the full force of all the gems power, and it fell. The darkness had been defeated, and the gems victorious. All was right.





Flash awoke with a start, gaze facing the brown wooden ceiling. He lied on the cushion chair of the train car, still starring at the ceiling for a while before sitting up.

Today had been a very strange day, first the invasion, then the new power he had received. And it wasn't even noon yet.

Flash stared out the train window, watching the dark green landscape of the Empire turn into the bright green landscape of Equestria. Flash had been summoned to Canterlot for something that seemed very important. He wondered if it had anything to do about everything that happened.

Flash caught something in the corner of his eye for a second before directing his gaze directly at it. A pony, or at least someone with a pony's shape, who wore a cloak with the hood up. No matter how deep Flash looked, he could only see the black that covered the pony's face.

"Good morning." The pony greeted nonchalant.

"It's noon." Flash corrected.

"It's 11:24 am, therefore it's morning." The Pony stated.

Flash rolled his eyes, annoyed at being corrected. "Who are you?" He asked.

"I had a name once, a name that meant something in another time. But now I have a new name, a name that serves purpose in this time. My name is the Master, it's a pleasure to meet you Guardian." The Master said.

Flash narrowed his eyes, readying himself to attack. "How do you know that?" He asked.

"I know many things." The Master answered. "It just so happens the Elementals identity's are among them."

"Why are you here?" Flash asked.

"To meet you of course." The Master said. "I haven't seen you for a while, I just wanted to remember what you looked like."

Flash was taken aback by what the Master said. "Have we...met before?" He asked cautiously.

"No, I'm afraid we haven't. This is the first time you and have met." The Master stated. "Sorry to cut this short but I have things to do, goodbye."

Before Flash could protest, a bump jostled him from his sleep. Eyes staring at the wooden ceiling of the train. He stood upright to search for the pony he just saw but their was no one around. Flash rubbed his head, thinking that it was only a dream.





Forester didn't sleep that night, how could he when someone he cared for was suffering. When morning came, Forester walked to the lower part of his house and picked himself grapes, bananas, strawberries, and cantaloupe for his breakfast. He ate the fruit solemnly, still thinking about Fawn. His thoughts came to an abrupt halt as his front door burst open. 

A stag with a furious look and tears welling in his eyes stomped into Forester's home. Forester knew the stag, he was Fawn's father, Thicket. He charged towards Forester and struck him across the cheek.

"You bastard!" Thicket roared, tears streaming down his cheeks. "He was just a kid, a child!"

Forester quickly got his hooves and locked antlers with Thicket, only to defend himself. Thicket was angry, there was doubt, but what was he angry about?

"Thicket!" Thicket's wife, Birch, called out her husband's name as she tried to make him stop. "Please stop, this has nothing to do with Forester."

"The hell it doesn't!" Thicket roared, any rational thought he had was thrown out the window as it was replaced by only rage. "It should've been you. It should've been you instead of my boy!"

That's when it clicked, they were talking about Fawn. Something happened to him, something terrible. Forester couldn't waste time dealing with Thicket, with all of his strength he pushed Thicket back and ran out the doorway.

"Don't you dare run away from me!" Thicket roared as he got back on his hooves and ran for the door. Only for his wife to block his path. "Move!" He growled.

"No!" She said firmly. "This has nothing to do with Forester Thicket, leave him alone."

Thicket watched as Forester was getting farther and farther away from him. He was gonna lose him if he didn't chase after him. He had to move the obstacle in his path, he raised his hoof ready to backhoof Birch.

Then stopped, frozen still like a statue.

He gazed over to his raised hoof, eyes wide at the thought he was gonna do with it. He was going to hit Birch, his wife, his beloved wife. How could he do such a thing? Let alone fathom the thought of hurting her. He vowed to never harm her, to never cause her pain or grief. That is what he vowed when they married. How could he break that vow, the vow he swore? Thicket collapsed onto the floor, sobbing while his wife gave him whatever comfort she could offer.





Forester didn't know how fast he was running, he didn't care, all that mattered was getting to Fawn. He burst through the Hospital doors and ran down the halls until he came to Fawn's room. He flung open the door and ran up to him, breathing heavily.

Forester was to late.

What was once a heathy, beautiful, image of life, was now a faded echo of what was once alive. Fawn's once brown fur had begun to fade, losing all of its color, his eyes were shut, his body still, and a smile on his face. What a beautiful smile Fawn had, he was always so happy and full of life.

But where was his warm glow? His bright shining aura of happiness and joy? Why was it gone? Why had he been stripped of the thing that made him alive?

Forester couldn't bear to see Fawn this way, he tried to think back to the times he had that warm glow that shining personality. But he couldn't, all he could see was the faded echo of what he once was. Forester's legs shook before collapsing. Forester reached to touch Fawn's foreleg, it was cold. Forester sobbed, how could he let this happen? How could Nature let this happen?

"Why him?!" Forester demanded, facing the ceiling he roared at the holy being he called 'God'. "Why did you take him?! He was young, pure, innocent! He was living his life, and you stripped it from him!" Forester yelled.

"What kind of God!" He cried out. "What kind of God would take the life of a child?! What kind of mother would let one of her children die?!"

Forester continued to sob, acting without any comprehension of the consequences his words would bring. But he didn't care, it didn't matter, none of it mattered. Nothing mattered anymore.

'You can bring him back.'

Forester's ears perked up, in his diluted state he would do anything, pay any price, if it meant bringing Fawn back.

"How?" Forester demanded.

'I cannot say. In bringing back the one you have lost is a sin on your faith.'

"How do I bring him back?!" Forester demanded once more.

'If that is what you wish, then it shall be done.'

Forester's eyes became completely white as he placed a hoof on Fawn's chest and he spoke,


"To the soul lost in the void
To those in times of strife
By my shining hoof of light
You will return to life"






Thicket couldn't forget, he would never forget this day. The day his son died, the day he attacked Forester, the day he almost hit his wife. Such horrible things happened, all in one day. In times like these, there was only one thing to do.

Pray.

What else was there to do? In times of darkness there was nothing more to do than pray. Thicket got on his knees and folded his forehooves.

"Nature...forgive me for I have sinned." Thicket began. "Forgive me for letting my son die...forgive me for lashing out at Forester...and forgive me for almost hurting my life."

Every prayer ended with "amen" but Thicket wasn't done, there was more that needed to be said.

"I know it isn't...my place to ask but..." Thicket choked, finding it very difficult to speak. "But could you...please bring him back...please bring back Fawn...he's a good boy, and has done everything for you...he didn't deserve to die...please...please bring him back..."

Silence.

Thicket lowered his head in shame. "I'm sorry...it wasn't my place to ask...forgive me..." Thicket said as he left his room and walked down the stairs. There was chores to be done and things to do, there would be time to grief later.

"Dad!"

Thicket came to a dead stop, disbelief washing over him. He could've sworn he had just heard Fawn's voice. But disbelief didn't stop Thicket from turning around. As he did, something collided with him and embraced him in a tight hug. Thicket's gaze lowered to the small creature that was hugging him. Once more, disbelief washed over him at what he saw.

It was Fawn, his son, his creation of life. There he was, bright brown fur, warm comforting touch, and that amazing kind smile of his. But the disbelief in his head told him that it couldn't be Fawn, that it wasn't real. Just a figment of his imagination.

But no, this was Fawn. This was his son, his pride and joy. Thicket hugged his son tightly, so he would never lose him again, while burying his crying face in Fawn's head. This was real, he prayed and Nature answered. There was just one last thing Thicket had to say,

"Thank you, amen."
> Chapter 7: Judgement
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"A man's conscience and his judgment is the same thing; and as the judgment, so also the conscience, may be erroneous."

-Thomas Hobbes





It was cold, damp, and dark. These three words were used to describe the prison Forester had been placed in. Stone lined the walls, ceiling, and floor of the small cave Forester was in. A large boulder placed in front of the entrance, light shining through the cracks of the space between the rock and mouth of the cave. Forester sat on the floor, his back against the wall, and his eyes staring sadly at the floor. His body still slightly glowing with a white aura.

The boulder shifted, slowly sliding out as it was pulled from the mouth. The bright shining sun's rays entered the cave, but only touched the front half, leaving Forester in the dark. A Doe entered the cave, her fur white as snow, her black hooves and nose stuck out among her white, and her eyes ocean blue. She approached Forester and stopped where the sun's light met the darkness of the cave. She too had a look of sadness on her face much like Forester had on his, the only difference was that Forester's was one of sadness and disappointment.

"Hello...Forester." The Doe greeted, awkwardly shifting under the solemn mood of the room.

"Hello Winter." Forester replied, not looking up from the ground.

The Doe, Winter, bit her lip, thinking about the best way to say what she wanted to say. "So...you're doing well."

Forester, still facing the floor, held up the tight vines wrapped around his hooves like shackles. He dropped his hooves, releasing control of the muscles that held them up.

"Right...that..." Winter sighed, the weight of the awkward tone increasing. "Forester...I...as a member of the Trinity, I have no choice but to judge you for your sin.......but as your friend..." Winter approached Forester and lowered herself to be at Forester's eye level. "I just want to make sure I understand what's going on. You used magic, the very thing we Deer swore to never use."

Forester remained silent, unable to speak to his friend.

"So I want to know the truth, not some information from the messenger, I want you to tell me what happened?"

"What happened?" Forester asked, slightly raising his head. "What happened was I yelled at God. I roared at her with fury because of what happened to Fawn. I was tempted by The Evil and I succumbed to that evil in the hopes of returning Fawn." Forester seemed like he was on the verge of crying. "I have sinned Winter. I have scared my faith, therefore I must pay for my sins. I must be judged."

There is a rule, a sacred rule, a rule that is to be upheld no matter what. This sacred rule is upheld by the Deer, no matter what. This rule is to never wield the power known as magic, as it leads to corruption and evil. But what Forester had done put a weight of uncertainty on the council's decision.

Forester was a good, honest Deer who would never do anything wrong in the eyes of God, and the magic that he had used returned a child to life, a child that should've never died. The council was torn in half, one side disputing that Forester was guilty and needed to be punished for his sin. But the other half disagreed with this statement. They believed that Nature was working through Forester to save the child, that he was innocent in the eyes of God. The council argued over the decision needed to be made and concluded that a trial was to be held for Forester's judgement. But it still didn't feel right.

"Forester...do you remember the history of the.....'Mage Trials'?" Winter asked.

"If by 'Mage Trials' you're referring to the 'Witch Trials' that took place over twenty year's ago, then yes I am aware of it." Forester stated, "and I hope you're not trying to somehow relate that incident to my current situation, are you?"

"Well..." Winter cringed. "You can't deny that this...this has some relation to those trials."

"Please." Forester scoffed. "The trials were a cause of so many deaths because we didn't have the trinity. Our court was based off the wild opinions of Doe's accusing Deer of magic. They accused innocents to be hanged by pretending to be falsely cursed. 127 Deer died because of the trials." Forester said.

"Do you know how the trials ended?" Winter asked.

"How could I forget?" Forester asked. "It was my mother that was being accused. The Doe in charge of the accusations was Ivy, a Doe who was jealous of my mother and father's marriage and decided to kill her for it. I may have not been there, but my mother has told me stories about it." Forester said.

"And do you know how it ended?" Winter asked.

"Everybody knows, the Doe's accusing my mother of magic cried out in pain in the middle of the trial, accusing my mom that she was casting a spell on them." Forester explained. "Under the fifth doctrine, the Accused has the right to concealment during the trial, she wore a cloak that covered her face and body."

"But when the Doe's were crying out in pain the court ordered your mother to remove her cloak in case to see if she was chanting spells." Winter added.

"She complied and removed her cloak, but it wasn't my mother's face that was revealed." Forester said, slightly looking up. "It was Suro Raindrop."





Some information about the Deer's religion before we continue. In the Far East there lies a great tree that rivals the height of mountains, this tree is named "Turrim caelorum" and it is home to the religious group known as the "Vatican".

I want you to picture a chart, just a simple chart from bottom to top. This imaginative chart will be used to help explain the order of higharcy. At the bottom of the chart are the Worshippers, Common Deer who worship and pray to Nature. The next chart above Worshippers are Priests, Deer who spread the belief of Nature. Next are the Witnesses, Deer who speak the words of Nature. But the next charts above those three lie in the Vatican, the first chart are Knights, Deer who protect the belief. The second are Bishops, Deer who are holy servants to the Suro. The third are Cardinals, Deer who are chosen by the Suro to be the elite of the Vatican. And at the very top is the Suro, the Suro is the symbol of Nature, the Suro is a single Deer who has been chosen to be the leader of the Deer in times of darkness.

Now that I've explained, let's get back to the story.





"I can still remember their faces." Winter sighed, reminiscing about that day. "The look of shock and awe on everyone's face, but it was the look of fear that the Doe's were adorned in."

"The Suro is the embodiment of Nature and she is considered to be of pure heart and will, to accuse her of magic is considered blasphemy among the church." Forester explained.

"And thus, the Doe's were exposed for their lies and each and everyone of them received divine punishment." Winter said.

"Now that storytelling is over, mind telling me what that has to do with me?" Forester asked.

Winter sighed, "just like those trials...an innocent is being condemned for something he did not do."

"But I did do it." Forester restated. "I know what I did Winter, I have sinned and now I must atone for my sin."

"But-"

"But nothing...now leave me be." Forester sighed, lowering his head in shame. "I'm done talking. I'll see you on the day of my trial."





Gideon waited in the room, waiting for the council to return. They had left and were arguing over what should be done. After a while the council re-entered the room, they took their seats and spoke.

"Tell us, Gideon, what exactly is your power capable of?" One of the council members asked.

Gideon stood up and answered, "the truth is...I'm not really sure. I know that the magic is powerful, but I don't know what it's exactly capable of."

Let me take control Gideon, and I'll be able to help these fools understand.

Gideon closed his eyes and surrendered his mind to the Element of Fear. When his eyes reopened they were glowing completely yellow.

"Greetings, I am the Element of Fear, and I have taken my Host's body so that I may explain what's exactly going on." Gideon spoke, but it was the Element's voice that everyone heard.

The steel tips of spears pointed at Gideon by the guards stationed inside.

"Release our Prince at once!" They ordered.

Gideon only smiled, snapping his talons he created a powerful burst of yellow magic that sent the guards flying. They were slammed against the walls and were knocked out.

"As you can see, I possess powerful magic. But this isn't even close to what I am capable-" Gideon cut himself off as he looked to the door. "Well wouldn't you know, we have a visitor."

The doors opened and a smooth white hoof entered, following was the body of a tall pony and the waving mane that never stopped moving. This was the Alicorn Celestia, and she was not pleased.

Upon seeing her presence, all of the Griffons in the room bowed, but Gideon just smiled at Celestia, his eyes seemed to be glowing brighter.

"Greetings, Prince Gideon." Celestia greeted the Griffon standing before her. "I see you've returned from your banishment." She stated calmly, but her tone was thick and filled with firm authority. "And it seems you've come across the Element of Fear, which you used to storm the Crystal Empire and took it over. But you were defeated, and now you've return home."

"Did you only come to give me a boring lecture"? Gideon asked, letting out a yawn.

"I have come for but one reason, release the Element of Fear to me at once and I shall remove your banishment as well as overlook your assault on the Empire. Do we have a deal?" Celestial offered.

"Hmmmmm, no." Gideon answered. "Actually, make that a 'hell no'." Gideon rephrased.

"Do not test my patience griffon." Celestia growled through gritted teeth, her fury practically radiating from her body. "If you will not give me the Element, then I will take it by force."

"Oh, I've been waiting ages for this." Gideon's smile grew as his claws became engulfed in a yellow flame. "I think it's time you learned the true power of Fear."





There had been a time when Flash used to be apart of the Guard in Canterlot. He had worked under the Canterlot Night Guard, which was used under the authority of Princess Luna instead of Celestia. Luna's command was different than Celestia's, she was more strict and authoritative with her Guard, but she was like a mother. Harsh to get her point across but kind when it was needed. Flash respected Princess Luna, she was the kind of Princess that had an army of loyal soldiers behind her at all times.

But what was most puzzling was the reason as to why Luna was awake when the sun was up. She had never been a morning pony, so how could she be awake?

Flash entered the throne room where she saw Luna sitting upon her throne, and beside her was a pile of cardboard cups that once contained coffee, Luna was currently guzzling another cup, downing the hot liquid in audible gulps.

Ah, that's how. Flash's question was answered.

He approached Luna and took a knee in the middle of the room, bowing his head in respect.

"Greetings your Grace, you requested my presence." Flash stated.

Luna finished her coffee before throwing the empty cup onto the pile of new cups. "Good morning Sentry, I apologize for this... " Luna trailed off, rotating her hoof to the pile of empty cups as she thought of the correct word. "Mess." She finished. "I assume you know why I've brought you here?" Luna asked, raising her hoof she gave Flash permission to stand.

Flash stood, "I can only assume this has to do with what happened at the Crystal Empire?"

Luna nodded, "and I can assume that you have many questions?" She asked and Flash paused before slowly nodding. "Well...I'm afraid that I cannot tell you. This matter is very secretive, and would cause panic if it ever got out."

"I understand Princess." Flash stated.

Luna was silent, pondering what she would do next. "Leave us." She ordered the guards inside the room, who bowed and obeyed. As they exited and the door closed behind them, Luna stood up and walked down the marble steps and approached Flash. When she was close enough she embraced Flash in a tight bear hug. "We are relieved to know that you were not harmed." Luna smiled.

"Princess...crushing...me..." Flash wheezed before Luna released him, leaving a major dent in his chestplate.

"Sorry, I was just so worried." Luna explained. "You know how I am with my guard, even the ones who've left."

Flash couldn't help but smile when he heard that. This was who Princess Luna was, she was like a mother to her guard. She cared for each and everyone of her guards, no matter their rank.

"Come, walk with me." Luna requested as both her and Flash left the throne room and entered the Garden.

"I hope you understand that it pains me to keep secrets from my Guards, I want nothing more than to tell you everything." Luna explained. "But I cannot."

"You don't need to tell me anything you don't want to. I'm used to being left in the dark." Flash admitted. "I'm a Royal Guard, Princess. That means it is my duty to follow your command no matter what it may be. I may have tons of questions about the Element inside of me, but if you cannot tell me then I will disagree."

"Speaking of Elements." Luna stopped as did Flash. She turned to face him with a serious look on her face. "The reason I have brought you here is to remove it."

Flash blinked twice in confusion. "If I may ask, why?"

Luna sighed, she was tired of keeping secrets from those she trusted. Flash was more than trustworthy to know the truth, he deserved to know the truth, no, he needed to know the truth. She was not going to hide what had happened all those centuries ago just for it to be repeated. She searched the area to ensure there wasn't any spying eyes. Once she was certain she and Flash were alone she began to tell the story of Elements.

"Listen...my sister and I have existed for many centuries, and throughout time we have been haunted by a singular question that lingers through our mind to this day." Luna began. " 'Why are we here?' That was the question always on our mind, when we were born we didn't have a father or a mother, we didn't even know how we came into existence. But we did what everypony does, we learned, and what we learned was that world was being torn apart. Not by any villain or force of evil, it was the inhabitants of this planet that were killing it."

"I...don't understand, what does this have to do with the other Elements?" Flash asked.

"Everything." Luna answered. "You see, a long time ago, magic wasn't as common as it is today. Back then, every race had access to it through powerful artifacts called Elements. These Elements were the most powerful thing that could control magic, one Element had enough power to destroy an army of hundreds of thousands. Those who wielded these powers were called 'Elementals'. When my sister and I had finished learning we discovered that one race was on the bring of extinction. Ponies."

"Ponies?" Flash asked, dumbfounded. "But...how can that be?"

"It seems I forgot an important part to mention, the Elements had a direct connection to the Source of Magic, therefore they sucked up magic like a sponge. During that time, Pegasi and Unicorns did not exist, there were only Earth Pony's, and while they had strength they were at a disadvantage compared to the other traits of the other races. Griffon's had air superiority, Minotaur's strength exceeded ponies by miles, and so on. They didn't stand a chance."

"But how was the world being torn apart?" Flash asked, feeling that Luna was getting off topic.

"The world was a much more cruel place back then, race's fought each other for land, resources, and other means. My sister and I could not allow the bloodshed to continue, and we decided to do something about it. With our newfound knowledge we built a device to seal away the Elements. This device was called Pandora's box, one by one my sister and I fought each Elemental one at a time until the last one fell. With the Elements gone, magic flowed into the world naturally, and thus it caused each of races to evolve." Luna explained. "The only thing left to do was clean up the mess. We built cities and homes for each of the races so that they may live in peace. We taught them all the value of love, friendship, and peace, and it was because of what we did that a new form of Elements was born."

"The Elements of Harmony." Flash said.

Luna nodded. "When my sister and I discovered that six new Elements had chosen hosts we immediately acted to seal them away. But we saw that they were not like the others, they're magic healed and repelled darkness. We agreed that Elements of Harmony would not be sealed and would remain. As for the other Elements trapped within Pandora's box, we intrusted it to the Demon race for they were just as powerful as us. They agreed to keep watch over it, and in return we would never enter their lands. But now the box has been opened and all of the Elements have been unleashed." Luna said. "This is why I must remove the Element inside of you, if I do not remove it soon then the peace my sister and I tried to hard to protect will be destroyed.





This was wrong

Those three words echoed in Fawn's head as he watched his dear friend, Forester, being paraded as a sinful heretic. His hooves were imprisoned by shackles with chains attached to the shackle beside it, restricting his movements to small steps. The loud, unnerving, sound of loose chains being dragged against the pieces of stone steps seemed to have been echoing throughout the entire forest. Four Deer guards that were positioned at the four corners of a square, with Forester in the middle, walked along with Forester to ensure that he would not flee.

All Deer of the forest stood in silence as they watched from the sidelines as Forester was marched to meet his fate. A mixture of pity, sadness, regret, anger, and glares directed to the guards, could be seen on many of Deer's faces. They all wanted to put a stop to what was happening but dared not take a step forward, for they knew their action would have serious consequence, and so they just stared in silence.

A hole in one of the dragging chains got caught on the sharp edge of one the stones. Forester raised his hoof to step forward by the chain became taught as it was pulled between the rock and Forester. With his moment constricted, Forester became tangled in his next movement, and as the chain became loose from the rock Forester's momentum was lurched forward, his body flung forward, he tried to extend his hooves to catch himself from falling but because his hooves were still chained, he was helpless as he tripped and fell against the stone.

The guards came to a halt and the crowd of Deer wanted to rush in and help him up but they were still as statues. The two guard's in front twisted their heads back to watch as Forester struggled to stand back up. The guard to the left was a Doe with dark brown fire, green eyes, adorned in amor covered by leaves, and had a spear beside her. She watched Forester struggle with heartbroken eyes, Why isn't anyone doing anything? Can't they see he needs help? The Doe thought, that's when she realized that everyone was waiting for someone else to do it. But nobody dared to intervene.

The Doe had had enough of Forester's struggle and decided to put and end to it. She turned around and took a step forward, and her chest was met with the wooden staff of the other guard's spear.

"What do you think you're doing Greya?" The guard asked, eyes still facing forward.

"I'm helping out someone in need." The Doe now known as Greya answered with the same tone.

"It is not our place to approach the...Accused." The guard said, not wanting to address Forester with his name.

"HIS NAME IS FORESTER!"

All eyes were directed to the voice of Fawn, who stood at the edge of crowd. "His name is Forester, we all know who he is and all the good he's brought. He's the kindest Deer in this whole forest and this is what we do to him?!" Fawn yelled in anger, indicating to Forester he quoted,

" 'As thunder roared and lighting flared, the voice of Abraham boomed with such power that all of the world could hear him as he spoke the commandments of God. Thou shall not harm the innocent, Thou shall not question the word of God, thou shall not steal from others, thou shall not give in to the wicked and vile, and the final, and most important, commandment, thou shall protect and heal all life on this world till it returns to dust.' " Fawn listed off, before directing his attention to the guard blocking Greya. "Are you so blinded by your arrogance that you forget her sacred laws?"

The guard frowned, but he still held his spear firm. "I have not forgotten her laws, but this Stag has sinned-"

"What does that matter?!" Fawn yelled. "It shouldn't matter wether he has sinned or not. You can condemn him, you can parade him around as a heretic, you can call him a monster for his sin, but for the love of our benevolent God, you should have the decency to give him just a shred of his dignity."

The guard's eyes darted to Forester, who was still trying to stand. The guard put aside his judgments of the Deer and lowered his spear while letting out a heavy sigh. How could he have been so blind to his actions? Before he had been wavering between which side he would take. But thanks to Fawn's words, there was no doubt that the guard had chosen the right path. He approached Forester, and lifted his head so that he could see the face of the Deer.

Then he punched Forester in the face.

A kaleidoscope of screams, gasps, cries, and looks of shock, awe, and disbelief adorned several of the Deer standing in the crowd as Forester's body reeled back, a strand of blood oozed from his muzzle. As his body lurched forward, the guard put his hoof in front of him to keep his body upright. Fawn's eyes were as wide as dinner plates, his mouth slack-jawed, and the look of disbelief covered his face.

"W-why?" Fawn whimpered.

The guard looked to Fawn with eyes so cold they could freeze fire. "Six." He said. "There are six commandments, not five. You forgot to mention the First Commandment." The guard said as he dropped carelessly dropped Forester to the ground, as though he was a piece of trash to be discarded, before walking back to where he stood.

" 'Anyone that sin's against Nature, deserves no mercy.' " He stated flatly as Forester rose to his feet, his legs shaking. "If you're done wasting everyone's time, I suggest you keep moving."





The doors swung open, allowing the sun's rays to blare into the courtroom. Forester was walked to the podium,  where his chains were latched to the bars to keep him restrained. Two streaks of dried red blood dripped from his nose, but he didn't seem fazed whatsoever as his eyes showed signs of his faded mind.

A door opened on the other side of the room and four Deer entered the court room and took their seats at the table across from the podium where Forester was. The Doe on the far left could be recognized as Winter, but the Stag on the far right had tall antlers, slightly greenish brown fur, and yellow eyes, he was known as Spring. The Doe sitting to the left of Spring had bright golden orange fur, and golden eyes, she was known as Summer. The Stag on the right to Winter had smaller antlers compared to Spring, his fur was dark red, and he had deep brown eyes, he was known as Fall.

The middle seat remained empty between the four Deer who represented the four seasons.

"Greetings Forester." Spring spoke. "I assume you know why you are here?"

"...yes." Forester's answer was soft and shaky.

"And you know what you are being accused of?" Spring asked.

"...yes." Forester answered quietly.

Spring heaved a sigh, leaning back in his chair he folded his hooves. "Very well, Scribe, please read Forester his rights."

The Doe sitting behind the stand with a quill and paper nodded before standing up and reciting the "Basic Rights of all things Living".

"Forester, the 'Accused', do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?" The Scribe asked.

"I solemnly swear." Forester answered in his same sad and quiet tone.

"Very well, I shall begin reading you your basic rights, are you ready?" The Scribe asked and Forester nodded. The Scribe cleared her throat before starting. "As the Accused you have the right to conceal your identity, as the Accused you have the right to remain silent until the day of the trial, as the Accused you have the right to change your will if an execution verdict is decided, as the Accused you have the right to call for another trial if more undiscovered evidence is presented, as the Accused you have the right to be given a lawyer to defend you but cannot if the trial involves Religious cause."

"Which it does." Summer finished, leaning forward. "As much as I would like to get this trial started, we are currently awaiting the prescience of Cardinal Mavus, who seems to be late as we have not heard word from him."

"Yes, it would seem that Cardinal Mavus may have run into some trouble on his way here that must've delayed his journey." Fall assumed.

The large doors to the courtroom opened and a messenger entered. He stopped in front of the four Deer representing the seasons and spoke, or rather, he tried too, but all that came out was a wheeze as the messenger collapsed out of breath, but still tried to speak.

"Catch your breath young messenger." Winter calmed. "Do not strain yourself."

The messenger caught his breath before speaking, "I bring...news...about Cardinal...Mavus." He panted. "He was...called away...on business...by the Trinity...and will not...be able to...attend the...trial. But...someone else...will serve...as his...replacement."

"Well do not leave us guessing, tell us who will be supervising the trial." Fall said.

The messenger opened his mouth to speak but someone beat him to the punch.

"Thank you young messenger but that will be all." A Doe with light brown fire that was covered in some white spots entered the room. Her eyes were deep ocean blue, her figure adorned in the liveliest green leaves ever seen that were fashioned into a cloths, dragging a cape of green, red, orange, and white leaves. A circle of twisted sticks with green gems lined up around the rim that laid upon the Doe's head.

All at once the courtroom recognized the authority the Doe carried with her as she entered the room. They bowed respectively and tapped their forehead, their chest, and their two shoulders as a symbol of their faith. Forester would've done the same but he was currently chained, a simple smile would have to suffice.

"Hail to you, Raindrop the Suro." Forester said.

"And a good day to you all." Raindrop said. "Shall we begin?"
> Chapter 8: The spark ignites
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I refuse to accept the view that every race is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.

-Martin Luther King, Jr.





Ponies, Deer, Griffins, Zebras, Minotaurs, Diamond Dogs, Changelings, a Demon, some anthropomorphic cat, and a Gargoyle. All would participate in the war yet to come, he couldn't explain it but he could just feel it.

A skin foot, that appeared like it belonged to a rat, landed gently on the ground, the body of an anthropomorphic hooded figure who stood on two legs folded his red bat-like wings behind his back and looked ahead of him at the shattered gates of Tartarus, where Cerberus, despite his clearly wounded state, still stood guard. The hooded figure approached the wounded three headed dog and ruffled the fur on the middle head, causing the other two to share a satisfied smile while sticking their tongues out and wagging their tails. 

Once they recognized the hooded figure wasn't a threat, or a stranger, Cerberus allowed the figure to enter Tartarus. Carefully avoiding the broken pieces of the once invincible gate, the figure entered, making sure to avoid eye contact with the inmates imprisoned behind the bars of several stacked cages. But the figure had his eyes set on the singular cage sitting in the middle of the room, and the defeated Centaur that lied on the floor behind bars. His grey hair had grown so long that it touched the floor, his once bright red skin was now a scarlet slowly fading to the color black, and he seemed more bony than he usually was without his magic. But nonetheless, this was Tirek, the figure could never forget the look of his brother.

The figure lowered his hood, revealing his gargoyle face and yellow eyes. His name was Scorpan, younger brother of Tirek, and the one responsible for Tirek's imprisonment.

"Do you regret it?" Scorpan asked, glaring at his brother. "Do you regret your actions? Do you regret all the pain and suffering you've caused?"

"...Scor...pan?" Tirek's voice rasped, sounding like an ancient specter that had been doomed to live a life of isolation. "Is that you...brother?" Tirek asked, turning around Scorpan saw that Tirek's eyes were glossy and milky white. "I can't...see or...hear you, but I can feel...your presence." Tirek's hand swipes the floor like how Velma looks for her dropped glasses.

Scorpan bent down and gently grabbed Tirek's hand. Tirek pulled his hand back in panic at the sudden touch, his breathing increased slightly in panic.

Scorpan sighed in disappointment, "look at what you've done to yourself. With Pandora's box ripped from your body you no longer have the magic it once contained." Scorpan explained with sadness in his eyes, taking Tirek's hand once more he continued, "and while I might not be able to stop the process, I can ease your pain." Scorpan closed his eyes and when he reopened them they became completely grey, and as grey magic surged into Tirek's body, Scorpan spoke,


"The power of void is mine to bear
With this solemn oath I do swear
To not sway the tides of light or dark
The flames of war I shall not spark."


The grey magic ceased, and Tirek blinked several times before his eyes returned to normal. He looked up slightly and with a confused look he said, "so it is you after all."

Scorpan nodded.

Tirek's legs shook as he tried to stand but they could not support his body.

"Careful, my magic could only give you your sight and hearing back, but it cannot undo the damage that has already been done." Scorpan explained sadly before his tone changed, "you brought this upon yourself you know?"

"Really?" Tirek scoffed once again. "How is this my fault?"

"Let's start with your first attack on Equestria, how you used Pandora's box to steal ponies magic for yourself." Scorpan spat with maleficent. "And then you escaped Tartarus and attacked the ponies again, only to be defeated by the new Elements."

"Get to the point brother." Tirek groaned.

"The point, is that you used Pandora's box. You were never supposed to use it, only to keep it safe and hidden, and what'dya know, you do the exact thing you were told not to do!" Scorpan snapped.

"Do not lecture me like you are our father!" Tirek roared. "You could never understand what it was like. What it meant to be used as a...piece of storage for some artifact when I was just a newborn! How could they do something like that? Did they not care for my safety whatsoever?"

"They did care for your safety, but they also cared for the safety of everyone in the world. They chose to safe the majority over the minority!" Scorpan roared back.

Tirek glared at Scorpan, "what do you know? You were the bastard of our family, the weakest link. I don't have time to argue with you."

Scorpan tightened his fists, narrowing his brow he glared back at Tirek. He took a deep breath and calmed his anger before speaking again, "do you know why I came here?"

"To give me another lecture about how everything I do is wrong and everything you do is right?" He asked sarcastically.

"No." Scorpan retorted. "I came because I thought you'd want to spend the last few moments you have with your family." Scorpan clarified, which caused Tirek to give him his full undivided attention at the mention of his life ending. "It seems that when Pandora's box was removed from you it did more damage than we thought. The box supported your body, making it stronger and more powerful. But without it, your body can no longer support itself. In short, you're dying." Scorpan explained. "So please, in your final moments, I just want you to do one thing. Be the brother you should've been."

Tirek sat down in front of Tirek. "You want me, to act like brother, in my final moments?"

"Think of all the things I've done for you, all the times I took the blame for you, all the times I lied for you, all the times I cheated for you." Scorpan listed off. "I did it all for you, because I thought you'd do the same for me. Because I thought we were brothers."

Tirek was silent for a moment, not so much as a shiver left his body. He sighed in defeat before speaking, "fine, what is it you want me to do anyways? Go outside and play catch?"

"No, I just want to talk, that's all." Scorpan answered.

"Talk about what?" Tirek asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Anything, I don't care what it is, I just want to spend some quality time with you."

"Well I've been trapped down here for nearly a thousand years, so why don't you start?" Tirek suggested.

"Alright," Scorpan paused, thinking about what they should talk about before a thought crossed his mind. "Tell me, brother, have you ever heard of this drink called 'Red Bull'?"





"BWAHAHAHAHA!" Both Scorpan and Tirek howled with laughter that echoed off the walls of Brimstone.

"And it gets even better, after Celestia had drunk her fourth glass she started rapping out of nowhere, in front of the Royal Summit no less!" Scorpan said as both he and Tirek burst out in laughter once more.

"I can't believe it! If only I hadn't been imprisoned, I would've brought popcorn and a front row seat!" Tirek shouted the obvious.

As the two brother's laughter died down, Tirek spoke,

"You know, this...isn't as terrible as I thought it would be." Tirek admitted, sounding like it actually hurt him to admit something. "For once I think I'm having...what's the word?"

"Fun?" Scorpan suggested.

"Yes, that!" Tirek proclaimed, pointing at Scorpan. "This is fun, really fun, the most fun I think I've ever had." Tirek said exited, before his expression turned sad, "too bad I only realized it when it's too late. How much time do I have left?"

"Not sure." Scorpan answered in the same saddened tone. "I'd say you'd have a few minutes judging by how long we've been talking."

"Well...with the last minutes I have left, let me just say what you've always wanted to hear." Tirek said, placing a had on Scorpan's shoulder. "Yes, I do have a thing against trees."

"I knew it!" Scorpan pumped his fist in triumph.

"I mean, I just don't get their purpose, they just stand around doing absolutely nothing but drink water and absorb sunlight...they, they have no purpose. They just don't!" Tirek rattled off as both he and Scorpan chuckled.

Tirek sighed, closing his eyes and lowering his head. "Thank you." He said.

"For what?" Scorpan asked, receiving a playful punch from Tirek.

"Don't be an Ass, you know 'what'." Tirek chuckled before continuing. "For everything you've done, for always being there, for always giving me advice, for being a brother. I know it must've been difficult when you imprisoned me here but you did the right thing. So, thank you Scorpan. Thank you for being my brother." Tirek looked to Scorpan's chest where he saw a grey Element of a diamond shape. "The Element of Shadow chose you huh?" Tirek asked as he noticed that his body was starting to fade away like a ghost. "It's fitting really, you always were the kind to remain neutral." Tirek sighed as his body was practically gone. "Well, I better not see you any time soon, it'd be kinda awkward if you showed up." Tirek's chuckle faded away as did his body until nothing remained of him. 

Scorpan sat in silence, recollecting all the good memories he had with his brother.

All the ones he considered was good that is.

Scorpan, we must leave.

"Give me a moment, I just saw my brother die before my eyes. I think I deserve a little peace and quiet." Scorpan said back.

Yes, you do deserve solus. But now is not the time, the sparks of war are about to ignite, but it will be Elementals who will fight one another while our true enemy pulls the strings. She must be stopped.

“But first things first, we need to keep the Elementals from killing one another.” Scorpan stated, standing up.

That is, how you say, easier said than done. The Elements of Life, Death, Nature, and the Spectrum are not like those of Atlas and Harmony. The Spectrum Elementals are all opposing powers of the others, they do not work together like Harmony and Atlas. Nature is the same, but Shadow keeps them balanced.

“Speaking of which,” Scorpan started as he exited Tartarus, “just how many of the Elementals have been chosen?”

So far only eight Elementals have been chosen. Fear, Rage, Greed, Guardian, Beserker, Earth, Life, and Death, meanwhile the other Elements are still searching for a suitable host.

“So what shall I do now?” Scorpan asked, covering his face with his hood.

We must find the other Elements of Nature, they will be able to aid us in stopping this madness. This war must not occur.





“It's been a while Forester.” Raindrop said to Forester. “I think the last time I saw you was when you were...about yea’ high.” Raindrop gestured to Forester’s height when he was very little. “Now then, to answer the question on everyone's mind, why am I here, it's because I've been taking trips out of the Vatican and exploring the cities, and while I was walking I heard an interesting rumor from a couple saying that a Deer by the name of Forester had somehow resurrected the dead.” Raindrop explained. “Now, naturally I thought this was a joke of some kind, but no matter where I went I always heard the same thing, Forester has somehow resurrected the dead. Naturally, I decided to get to the bottom of this and question you myself but you were to be attending a trial so I sent Cardinal Mavus on a mission while I took his place.” Raindrop explained as she approached the stand where the Four seasons were.

As Raindrop took her seat in the center chair of courtroom, everyone was still awestruck that the Suro was standing before them. Well, sitting technically, but you get the idea. Anyways, the Suro tapped her hoof impatiently, waiting for the trial to start, but due to everyone being awestruck progress was slow.

“ *ahem*, Would someone please be so kind as to get this trial started?” Raindrop asked, leaning forward she looked directly at Winter. “Bishop Winter, would you do us the honors?”

Caught off guard, Winter stammered and tripped over herself before answering, “o-of course you grace.” She answered, pulling out pieces of paper stapled together, clearing her throat, and reading off what was written on the paper. “Forester, the Accused, is hereby charged with heresy for breaking our most sacred and unspoken commandment, using magic by bringing-”

“That's enough Winter.” Raindrop said, cutting Winter off. “Lets not beat around the bush with things we do not fully understand. I shall be straight, forward, and to the point.” Raindrop said, leaning forward. “Forester, did you or did you not use magic to bring back the life of…” Raindrop trailed off, looking at the pamphlet in front of her, “this calf named Fawn?”

“...Yes.” Forester answered softly, but loud enough to be heard.

“And might I ask, how did this Fawn die exactly?” Raindrop asked.

“Reports show that he was poisoned with an unknown toxin that we've never seen before.” Summer explained. “But reports show that it did not come from any of the nearby plants.”

“It was a snake.” Forester stated. “Fawn said a snake bit him and injected him with a deadly poison.”

“What nonsense is this?” Fall asked incredulously. “Redwood has no Carnivorous animals, nor does it have any creatures that would harm us. To say that a snake existed within these woods is purposturios.”

“But it isn't unlikely.” Raindrop stated. “There have been occasions when creatures would enter the forest. But what you have described cannot be true.” Raindrop said, opening the pamphlet back up. “According to this, it says that there is no record of the poison or what it belongs to. But what we do know is that whatever it was, it killed Fawn.”

“Which brings up the question, how did you bring Fawn back to life?” Spring asked. “We know you used magic, but we know not how you used it.”

Let me speak.

Forester’s eyes closed for a minute, Raindrop felt a tingle go down her spine that didn't sit right with her. When Forester reopened his eyes they were completely white and his body glowed white as well. The room became confused as to what had happened, and their confusion was doubled as Forester lifted into the air, his hooves phasing through the shackles like a ghost's body through a wall.

“Restrain him!” One of the stationed guards yell, gripping his spear.

“Belay that order.” Raindrop commanded. “Forester does not pose a threat to us. But you're not Forester, are you?”

”No, I am the Element of Life speaking through my Host in hopes to clear him of his crimes. I swear to answer any question you ask me truthfully and honestly.”

“... Very well, I will start with the first question.” Raindrop said, leaning back in her chair. “I know this sounds cliche, but my first question is what are you?”

”I am the Element of Life, I was one of the first Elements to exist.”

“Okay, gonna have to be more specific it seems.” Raindrop muttered under her breath before asking her next question, “what is an ‘Element’?”

”An Element is an object that has a direct connection to the Source. It is capable of channeling a certain power via a certain way. For example, my power allows me to heal the wounded, support others, give magic to other Elementals, and return those who have died back to life.”

“Like with Fawn.” Fall summed up.

”No, Fawn wasn't dead, he was in the process of death. Before his soul was taken to the void I returned it to his body and cleansed him of the poison.”

“Since you were able to cure the poison, I can only assume you know what the poison was?” Winter asked.

”Yes, the poison belonged to a snake created by magic. It's initial target was me, but Fawn stood in the way of the snake and took the poison.”

“You sound relieved.” Summer stated. “Are you saying that you're happy that Fawn was poisoned instead of you?”

”I would've preferred that no one was hurt, but if my Host had been bitten and the poison infected inside of him, I could not have cleansed it.”

“What do you mean by that?” Spring asked. “You were able to destroy the poison when it was inside of Fawn.”

”Let me explain, the poison was special. Much like how your cells create antibodies to fight off previous diseases, the poison creates cells engineered to kill the cells of whoever it was injected into. If my Host was poisoned, I wouldn't have been able to defeat the poison due to its cells being engineered against mine.”

“I see. Next question, why did you choose Forester as your host?” Winter asked.

”My Host must be worthy of Life. They must respect, protect, and care for all life no matter what.”

“Here's my question, who sent you to choose Forester as your host?” Summer asked.

”...I see now. I detected a pattern in your questions, some of you are asking questions for answers to prove I am guilty while others questions are trying to prove I'm innocent.” Forester stated, which caught the four Seasons off guard, knowing that they had been caught red handed. ”I already know the next questions you will ask and the answers you wish to hear. I will oblige and tell you what you want to hear.”

”It was not your God that sent me to find Forester nor was it your God that made Forester bring Fawn back. If anything, your God is only a nonexistent force you choose to believe. It is true that faith has light for you to see but your faith has blinded you, you do not see the truth of the world. Your faith, and your God, are not real-”

Spring slammed her hooves against the table and stood up, she yelled at Forester, “I will not tolerate such sacrilege!” Spring roared at the one accusing her that her faith wasn't real. “You dare claim that our God is not real in the presence of the Holy Suro! I will not allow you to spew such vile words from your corrupted tongue.”

“This only proves your guilt, Forester.” Fall said. “From what you've said you've proven that you have indeed fallen from grace. But this is not your fault, it is the Element that has compelled you to lose your faith. But do not fear, we shall remove it from you at once.”

”You truly are fools. Religion is not essential, it is a waste of time. To believe that an all powerful being created this universe is a lie. The universe was not created by a God, it was created by forces mashed together that exploded into countless lights in the darkness. You may believe whatever you choose to believe, but you will not separate me from my Host, a war is coming and Life is required if we are to defeat our enemy.”

“I've heard enough.” Raindrop said, calmly scooting her chair back she walked around the table and approached Forester. “I am the Suro, the embodiment of Nature herself, to claim that my belief is false is an offense I will not take likely. I know not what you are, I know not what you come for, but I will not allow this to continue any longer.” Raindrop said, the ground shook as her eyes turned completely dark brown. “I will ask only once, release Forester from your grip or you will suffer my wrath.” Raindrop threatened.

”No, I will not fight you, nor will I remove myself from him. But I only speak what my Host believes, I have shown him the truth, and while he does not truly accept it, he no longer believes in your religion.”

“Liar!” This time Winter shouted at Forester, slamming her hooves against the table and rising from her chair. “Forester’s faith is unshakable, he would never question Nature.”

“Winter,” Raindrop said with a bit of sadness and disappointment in her voice, “he isn't lying. What he has said is the truth, and therefore…” Raindrop quivered at what she was about to say next. “Therefore...by the righteous power bestowed upon me… I hereby banish you from any and all cities under the Deer protection. You are to never set hoof in another forest for as long as you live.”

”We accept this punishment, and will obey it until you have lifted it. Now, we shall take our leave.” Forester said as he turned around to exit.

“Tell me, Element of Life, that symbol on Forester’s haunches. What does it mean?” Raindrop asked.

Forester came to a stop and turned his head to answer. ”It is the symbol of life, it represent my power and affliction.”

“Then from this point on it will serve as a scar, a scar that tells those who see it that this is a Stag who has given in to the wicked. May you repent your sin one day, and may God have mercy on your soul.” Raindrop said, her eyes narrowing as Forester opened the large door.

But before he left he took another glance back at Raindrop, revealing that his eyes had returned to normal indicated who was speaking, 



“God? Don't make me laugh." He said before closing the door behind him.





“Princess...are you sure about this?” Flash asked. “I mean, don't get me wrong I wanna protect Equestria no matter what, but are you sure that removing my element is the best course of action?”

“Honestly, I'm not quite sure myself.” Princess Luna admitted. “My sister thinks that this will be beneficial to everyone.”

“And, what do you think?” Flash asked.

“What do I think?” Luna asked, sighing she leaned against the guardrail. “I think that...maybe it was the right choice to seal away the Elements, and now, now it's time to return yours.” Luna said, turning away from the rail she approached Flash. “Are you ready?”

Flash rubbed his back awkwardly, “well...is this gonna hurt?”

Luna nodded, “Immensely.” She answered and Flash sighed sadly. Luna put a hoof on Flash’s shoulder, “but it is for the greater good.”

Couldn't say no to something like that. Flash stiffened his body and braced himself for Luna to remove the Element. “This will be like a flu shot Sentry, you need to keep your body relaxed.” Luna explained and Flash let his body go limp like a noodle as Luna charged up her horn. “Now, it won't hurt at first, but over time it the Element will try to resist my magic and fire off your pain receptors. But no matter what, you must keep your body relaxed. Are you ready?”

“Now or never.” Flash answered.

Luna nodded as she ran her magic through Flash’s body. A blue mist swarmed his body as Luna’s magic engulfed himself. It was a pleasant feeling, like being dipped in a hot bath that just melted the stress away. It made relaxing a whole lot easier.

“Got it.” Luna stated as her magic now had a grasp on the Element. “Now all I need to do is pull it out. Keep yourself relaxed Flash, this is the part that's gonna hurt.” Luna stated as she began to gently tug on the Element.

At first It felt like a knot had balled up inside of Flash’s chest, where the Element was, but no matter what Flash kept his body relaxed and loose. It didn't matter how, just as long as it was for the greater good.

Flash, what are you doing?

Flash’s eyes shot open as a sharp pain shot through his head. He grimaced, the pain throbbing like a banging drum. Luna noticed Flash’s painful expression but continued to pull on the Element.

“I know this hurts, but this is for the best.” Luna said.

”No, Princess of the Night.” Flash spoke, his eyes completely blue with gold pupils, and his voice mixed with the Element inside of him. ”This, is for the best. You will see the truth and you will understand.”

Before Luna could protest or say anything, Flash gathered all of the magic Luna had seeped into Flash’s body and turned it into a swirling ball in his hoof. He then added a bit of the Element’s magic before forcing it into Luna’s head. She gasped as her eyes brightened to a complete white and she saw images appear before her.

The first image was a the night sky and all the bright dots that danced across its surface called stars. But then, a darkness began to devour the tiny lights until the last one went out and everything faded to black. The next image was of a hooded pony, a unicorn, who possessed power that did not belong in this world. She was older than Luna and Celestia, yet she had not aged nor had she used a spell to extend her life. The next image appeared to be symbols of the Branches. Atlas, Nature, Spectrum, Life, Death, even Harmony would participate in the war that had yet to come. 

A war? Yes a war. A war was coming. One that had been fated to happen for generations now. But what set it off? What was the tipping point that started it all? What or who was it that ignited the first spark? So many questions, but sadly Luna received no answers as the images faded and her sight returned. Slowly she looked up to Flash who was now being used by the Element inside of him.

“What was that?” Luna asked, her eyes wide and filled with countless questions.

”That, was the future, and that, is why we cannot allow you to seal us away again.”

“But what I saw...I saw a war. A war that's about to happen with Elementals fighting other Elementals. You must tell me, when will this war begin?! You must tell me so we can prevent it!” Luna said, her voice rising.

”I am afraid you are too late. The war has already begun.” As Flash said that, a royal guard burst through the entrance with eyes wide and his voice filled with panic.

“Princess, you must come with me at once! Hurry, I don't have time to explain!” The guard said before running off, Luna paused for a moment before racing off with Flash.

The guard let them to the Royal Courtyard where every guard, every citizen, everyone was all looking at the sky with confusion and fear on their faces. As Luna looked up to where everyone's attention was directed she too gasped in fear.

Flying in the sky, between Ponyville and Canterlot was a yellow creature that looked like a snake, but it had insect legs along both sides of its body, and pincers on its mouth. It was the beast the belonged to Gideon, and speaking of the Griffon Prince, he stood atop the head of the creature with a wicked smile on his face.

And a limp Celestia in Gideon’s claw wrapped around her neck. Gideon made sure that everyone could see and hear him as his voice boomed with power,

”HEAR ME EQUESTRIA! MY NAME IS PRINCE GIDEON OF THE GRIFFON EMPIRE, AND THIS,” He paused raising Celestia’s body. ”THIS WAS YOUR GOD, BUT NOW I HAVE DEFEATED HER AND I COME BEARING A MESSAGE NOT JUST FROM ME, BUT FROM THE ENTIRE EMPIRE ITSELF!” Gideon shouted.

”FOR TOO LONG HAVE YOU PONIES RULED THIS WORLD! FOR TOO LONG WE HAVE HAD TO LIVE UNDER YOUR BOOT, BUT NO MORE! FROM THIS DAY FORTH, WE WILL RECLAIM WHAT YOU HAVE STOLEN FROM US ALL THOSE COUNTLESS YEARS AGO! SO TO ALL OF YOU PONIES,” Gideon paused, tossing Celestia away as though she was nothing more than a piece of trash. 

Luna wasted no time for second thoughts as she flared her wings and pushed off the ground with enough force it caused a shockwave to erupt that blew everyone back. Luna raced towards her plummeting sister at rocket speed, she came to a halt just beneath her and caught her in her forelegs. She adjusted her wings to the added weight and glared at Gideon, who glared right back and said,

”Consider this a declaration, of WAR.”





Far away from Equestria, in the abandoned land of Rakdous, Scorpan traveled across his once homeland, leaving footmarks behind him in the ash filled ground. As he was walking, he then came to a complete stop, not even bothering to look behind him he asked,

“Just what is your goal?” He asked, his cloak flapping in the wind. “What do you gain by this?”

The one being questioned walked towards Scorpan and stopped twelve feet behind him.

“Peace.” The Master answered.

“Well, the irony isn't lost on me.” Scorpan muttered, turning around to face the hidden appearance of the Master. “How do you intend to bring peace by doing this? All this will do is cause war, death, and destruction. Tell me, what kind of peace is that?”

“This world was born so that everyone could have a chance at wielding magic. But when the Elements were sealed away that magic went only to the Ponies. As a result, equality and respect was forever lost to the other races.” The Master stated

“That's not true!” Scorpan protested. “They have spread friendship and love across all the lands. I've seen it.”

“You see only what you want to see. But you do not see the truth.” The Master stated. “It would be pointless to show you, you wouldn't believe it. But either way, you cannot stop me from achieving my goal.”

“Which you still haven't told me.” Scorpan glared. “I don't buy that peace crap for a second, sure it might be a side objective for you, but what is your true goal?”

“Oh Scorpan,” the Master sighed as a black scaled snake with purple symbols along its back and poisonous green eyes slithered around the Master’s body, baring its fangs and hissing at Scorpan. 

“You wouldn't believe me even if I showed you.”
> Thoughts of the Elementals: 0.4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Fleeze



Fleeze has memories... memories before the hunger, before everything looked so shiny and pretty and sparkly and...what was Fleeze talking about again? Oh yes, before the hunger. Fleeze cannot remember much, but Fleeze does remember faces. Faces that resemble my kind of race. I should know their names, but Fleeze does not remember. Fleeze wants to remember so bad, it feels like something very important to Fleeze but Fleeze cannot remember it. It is very bothersome, like an inch Fleeze cannot scratch.

Fleeze try's to ignore the images, they can't be that important. But they still keeping popping up, always appearing inside Fleeze's head. Fleeze wonders who they were, maybe they were some Dogs Fleeze ran into in Fleeze's past years, or maybe they were fools who sought to oppose Fleeze and Fleeze destroyed them for trying to stop Fleeze. But whoever they are, Fleeze wants to know their names. Cause if Fleeze knows their names, then Fleeze can find out who they are, and make the stupid images go away.

Name. What is a name? Is a name a way we address one another? Actually, now that Fleeze thinks about it, that is what name's are for. It must be nice to have a name. Fleeze had a name once, before the hunger, before the need to have it all. Fleeze wonders what his name once was, maybe it was Rover, or Snoopy, or Fido, or something moronic. But whatever it was, Fleeze misses it.

Because what Fleeze truly wants, more than anything in the world, is EVERYTHING






Drax



This is a strange world. A strange world filled with strange creatures. Strange creatures driven by strange forces that make them do strange things that I fail to understand.

I hate it

I hate them

There was a pony I called my friend, a Unicorn who preferred to use her fists, er, hooves instead of her magic. A mare who didn't mind getting into a tussle with us Minotaurs. It was what made this mare our friend. She may have had the appearance of a Pony, but she had the spirit of a Minotaur. But it was that spirit that made her despised by other Ponies, and it was their despising ideals that led to her death.

She died. She died because she tried to protect me. She didn't deserve death, it should've been me. But now, now she's gone and I'm filled with only...

Rage

It was my rage that drove me to kill Warden, I had no regrets though for my actions. In the immortal words of Atrocitus the Butcher,

"Those who take Life, deserve to lose it."

I can't help but laugh at the irony of that statement.






Gideon



I never wanted to be a prince. I never wanted to be born with this kind of weight on my shoulders. I didn't ask for this, but Fate can be so cruel. I avoided my royal duties and spent most of my time with the soldiers. I would train, and learn, to fight and lead. But I was still recognized as a prince, and as a prince the soldiers had no choice but to obey my every command. It didn't feel right, commanding someone with an authority I did not earn. Why would anyone just follow a leader because of his bloodline? It was wrong, and I was not about to abide it.

I decided to abandon my princehood and became a soldier. There, I gained my soldiers loyalty and respect. They did not see me as a prince, but as their friend, and that was all I ever wanted.

As I grew older, my mother showed me the iron throne. A throne filled with swords from Emperors past, and one day, my sword would rest beside them. My mother told me that the day the crown rests upon my head will be on my wedding day, and on that day, when that piece of gold, silver, and jewels rests upon my head, I will become a puppet to the Griffins. My strings pulled by the monsters known as Ponies.

I cried that night, knowing once more that I was doomed to a cruel and unfortunate fate. I learned that night who the true monsters of this world were, and I decided not to not be afraid of them. We will not be afraid of these wolves that hide in sheeps clothing. I will grow strong, I will make them know what it means to be used and pushed underneath ones boot. They will know my fury and wrath.

They will know Fear






Scorpan


My father called me odd. My mother called me special. My brother called me Bastard. I call myself, a Gargoyle.

I wasn't like my brother Tirek, I wasn't born with magic like he was. But I was born with wings, and I would always fly high into the sky everyday to escape the crushing weight of the world. I would rest my head upon a cloud and dream of sweet memories. I thought about bringing a cloud down to my brother, so that he too could calm his stress and terrible heartache. But alas, he refused my gift and swatted it away as though it were nothing.

It is said that we do not choose our brother's, but instead they choose use. I have a feeling this is quite true, but a brother is a brother, and, like it or not, Tirek was mine. When Tirek left, I followed him because that is what brother's do. It was not because of what he held inside of him, but because he was the closest thing to family I had. But when we met the ponies, I found a new friend I could call family.

You should've seen their faces, they looked so scared and terrified of my brother and I. They cried out for the two sisters, and in an instant two Alicorns appeared. They offered us a home, food, and water, and in return we just needed to be peaceful to others. Something which was my specialty.

I found the open sky's more crowded than in the Badlands, the Pegasi had never seen a creature like me fly before. But their confused looks turned into acceptance as they welcomed me as one of their own. The Earth Ponies also warmed up to me as I helped plow their fields and grow their crops. But the Unicorns were the opposite of their other two kin, they were more isolated and distant. Just like Tirek.

The time soon came when Tirek was going to attack the ponies and steal their magic, flight, and strength. He wanted my help but I would take no part in his act of violence. I warned the two sisters and they used their powerful magic to seal away Tirek. But I fear that my action may have caused the world to be twisted into the monster it is now. The Unicorns told the Ponies that the other races could not be trusted, that they were too chaotic and uncontrollable. The Ponies said that they were the masters of this world and that all other races were to bow before their godlike power.

It was on that day that the world became subjugated to the ideals of racism, inequality, and cruel rule. I had to fix it, I had to make things right. But before I could do anything, the Ponies I once called friends saw me as a monster. They believed that I had aligned myself with Tirek and that I should've been imprisoned beside him.

With a broken heart, and tears in my eyes, I left Equestria. But I swore that I would create a world of equality one day, and that day will be soon upon us.
> Chapter 9: Turmoil
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"A defibrillator is not designed to start your heart, it's designed to stop it"

-Medical Tech Info 101





This was wrong

Those three words repeated time and time again in Fawn's head.

It's wrong. All of it is was wrong.

Fawn sat at the base of the river that flowed to the lake. He watched the fish dance in its current as they were swept away into the lake. But they would return, they would return back to the stream so that they would lay eggs and bring new life into this world. But what they were really doing was returning home.

Home. Such a funny word. What was a home? Was it a place where you lived, a place with walls and roof over your head? No, that wasn't a home. Deer never needed walls or a roof, they had everything they could ever need. Nature gave all of her creatures gifts, but there was a clear thought distinction between the two races.

The Deer thought, she clothes me, she feeds me, she provides me with shelter. She must be God.

The ponies thought, she clothes me, she feeds me, she provides me with shelter. I must be God.

The Deer never blamed the Ponies for the First Sin, they were, after all, only mortal. But the true enemy was magic. Only Nature, the one of pure heart, could tame such a wicked and vile force and use it for good. It was clear that Forester had been given magic and he did use it for good, but he lost his way, he no longer believed in Nature. He let himself fall from Nature's grace.

"Do you mind if I sit here?"

Fawn turned his head slightly to the right to see the Suro herself, Raindrop. "Of course your Grace." Fawn answered.

Raindrop thanked Fawn and seated herself next to him. The two stared at the river in silence, only listening to the sound of rushing water and the sound of the forest.

"Fawn was it?" Raindrop asked, and Fawn nodded. "You're the kid Forester brought back?" Fawn nodded again. "I thought so...how well do you know him?"

"He's my friend, I actually think he's one of my best friends honestly." Fawn admitted.

"Good, I consider him one of my friends as well," Raindrop sighed sadly, "you should know that this decision of mine brings me no joy. It breaks my heart, but this must be done." Raindrop said.

"Yeah, I just can't believe that he would abandon his faith like that." Fawn said. "Magic truly is the root of all evil and the wicked."

Raindrop looked behind her to make sure that there wasn't any prying ears. "Fawn...there's something I must tell you." Raindrop started, "Forester...wanted me to banish him."

Fawn stared at Raindrop incredulously. "...what?"

Raindrop sighed before explaining, "it was two days ago, while I was meditating at the First Seed, I saw a vision of the future. And it was terrible." Raindrop said, her tone becoming dark and serious. "A darkness is coming, I know not when, where, or why, I only know that Forester would play a major part in what has yet to come."

"But..." Fawn stood up quickly, still trying to comprehend what Raindrop was saying, "if what you say is true, then why did you banish Forester? That part doesn't make sense."

"No, it does." Raindrop said as she began to explain. "Forester knew that he was now apart of something far bigger and far more dangerous than him, so he wanted to remove himself from his friends and family so they wouldn't get hurt. He sacrificed his dignity, his faith, his pride, his respect from others, all so he could protect them."

Fawn should've been furious, but instead, he was relieved. He knew that Forester would never do such evil things, he knew it and he never once doubted him for it. But Fawn's relief was quickly diminished as he realized something.

"Why are you telling me all of this?" Fawn asked. "If Forester wanted to keep everyone safe then why would you tell me?"

"Because I know Forester. I've known his mother and father for a long time, and therefore, I know their son very well." Raindrop explained. "I know that he should not be alone when the war begins, he should have those closest to him with him when this happens. So, Fawn, I give you two choices. You and everyone that's close to Forester can stay her, live your lives within Redwood Forest and continue to be seen as innocent in the eyes of the Church. Or, you can choose to follow Forester, and be scorned by the Church and banished from every forest that belongs to the Deer." As Raindrop listed off the two choices, she held up a branding iron with the symbol of Life on the end of it. "So tell me, what is your decision, Fawn?



 

Fear. Luna was all too comfortable with the emotion. There were three basic emotions that were common among every living thing. Willpower, Hope, and Fear. Each acted like a piece of equipment to a soldier in battle. Willpower was the armor a soldier wears, Hope was the shield that protected all, and Fear was the sword that struck down any who stands in its way. Fear is a powerful emotion, it is the opposite of hope, and today, Equestria remembered what it meant to know fear.

The powerful Goddess of the Sun had fallen, beaten at the claws of the Elemental known as Gideon. Widespread panic erupted in Canterlot as screams of terror echoed throughout the city. The Royal Guard did everything they could to keep the citizens from breaching the castle, but their strength was slowly diminishing under the weight of every citizen demanding to see Celestia.

The inside of the castle was in the same kind of panic as the citizens outside.

"CODE 1, I REPEAT, CODE 1!" A Royal Guard yelled as he and other guards ran in formation around a hospital bed where Celestia laid and was being tended to by three nurses, as well as Flash and Luna who trotted beside her unconscious sister. "THIS IS NOT A DRILL, I REPEAT, THIS IS NOT A DRILL! GET THE RED ROOM READY ASAP!" The Royal Guard shouted.

"The Red Room is ready sir!" The two guards positioned in front of the heavy metal double doors saluted, opening the doors wide.

As the bed was wheeled into the room, one of the nurses stopped both the guards and Luna. "Please wait out here while the doctors and other nurses tend to her highness. Please understand that we can't have any interferences."

Luna wanted to protest but nodded solemnly as she waited outside while the professionals did their work. Seconds stretched into what seemed to be hours as Luna paced back and forth between the door. The guards that escorted Celestia to the Red Room stood watch as they were prepared for anything that might come their way.

A couple of minutes passed and the doors finally opened, revealing a stallion in a doctor's coat with light brown fur, dark brown mane, light green eyes, wore a pair of black rectangular glasses and a medical paper mask over his muzzle, as well as disposable rubber gloves on his hooves. The moment the doctor stepped out Luna confronted him with a single question,

"Is my Sister all right?" She asked frantically.

The doctor took off his glasses before answering, "truthfully, your majesty, we're not entirely sure." The doctor said before gesturing Luna to come follow him. "Come with me, I might be able to explain it better visually."

"I'll come too." Flash spoke up, receiving the evil glance from every guard in the room. "W-with your permission, of course, your majesty." Flash said nervously from all the death glares he was getting.

"I wouldn't mind your company Sentry." Luna answered before she, the doctor, and Flash entered the Red Room.

The room was large and filled with tons of equipment that was packed against the wall, but was on wheels so that it could be moved to the center of the room where the bed was. An oxygen mask had been placed on Celestia's muzzle, the top fogged up every now and then which was a clear indication that she was breathing. Tubes had been attached to her right foreleg where a clear liquid, which hung from a metal rack which was also attached to wheels, was being pumped into Celestia. A white pad had been placed over Celestia's chest where her heart was monitored by the machine on the left side of the bed that showed two pulses on its monitor. The nurses were still tending to Celestia despite the absence of the doctor, who explained the situation to Luna.

"You see your highness, we're not sure what is wrong with Princess Celestia." The doctor admitted. "Her blood pressure and oxygen levels are normal. We detected no signs of poison, viruses, diseases, or anything harmful on the cellular level. There was also no sign of blunt force trauma, cardiovascular arrest, or brain failure. All in all, she should be fine."

"Then there must be something wrong with your machines." Luna snapped. "My Sister is clearly not fine, I don't care what you have to do, just figure out what is wrong with her and fix it."

"Hey doctor." Flash tapped the doctor on the shoulder to get his attention. "What's that do-hicky there?" Flash asked, pointing to the machine making a small "beeping" noise 

"That 'do-hicky' is a heart monitor." The Doctor answered, pointing at the machine. "It monitors the heart rate of the upper and lower part of the heart."

"So...its supposed to beat like that?" Flash asked, pointing to the green line on the monitor.

"Of course, the upper chamber receives blood while the lower chamber distributes it among the body. Because the upper chamber has to take in blood and filter it out, it takes more energy and therefore it beats heavier than the lower part." The doctor explained before his smile lowered into a confused frown. "Hold on a minute, that isn't right. The ratio is slightly off, the ventricle muscles are beating out of sync than the atriums." The doctor's eyes widened in realization but it was two late as both green pulses on the monitor started beeping fast and loudly. The blue pulse, which monitored her oxygen levels, however was slowly lowering.

"Celestia is going into Arrhythmia!" The doctor yelled, quickly rushing to Celestia's side. "Prepare the Defibrillators, set charge to 500 volts! Beginning CPR now!" The doctor yelled as he placed both hooves over Celestia's chest and forced pressure down. "1, 2, 3, 4, 5." The doctor counted off each time he pushed down on Celestia's chest before blowing air into Celestia's body and continuing to force pressure onto Celestia's.

"Defibrillators ready, charge set to 500 volts." A nurse stated, holding two metal devices, shaped like steam irons used to smooth out clothes which were connected to a machine by a curvy black wire, with her magic.

Another nurse placed two pads over Celestia's chest and the nurse holding the defibrillators placed them over the pads. "CLEAR!" The doctor shouted, giving the nurse the signal to trigger the defibrillators. There was a loud punch sound as Celestia's body was slightly lifted before falling back down. All eyes were drawn to the heart monitor and the two flat green lines that gave off a constant beep.

Then the line started to pulse again, and Celestia's once still chest rose and lowered once more.

"Phew...time?" The doctor asked.

"5.63 seconds." A nurse answered, holding up a stopwatch.

"What in Tartarus just happened?!" Luna demanded.

"Your sister's heart just started beating irregularly, something that can happen during a heart attack but-GAH!" The doctor screamed as he was struck along the left cheek and sent flying across the room before crashing against the wall.

All eyes were directed to Celestia, who's body was twisting and thrashing uncontrollably.

"Omigod...SHE'S HAVING A SEIZURE!" One of the nurses screamed.

"Restrain...her...quickly.." the doctor wheezed as he picked himself up.

The nurses move in to hold Celestia down but they are thrown back as Celestia's strength punches them away.

"Princess Luna, you're the only one strong enough to restrain you sister! Use your magic!" Flash yelled.

"Um...oh, right!" Luna said, snapping out of her trance she used her magic to pin Celestia's flailing legs to the bed. "Rrrrraaaaaggghhhh!" Luna gritted, clenching her teeth as hard as she could she would tug her head back as she kept her sister restrained. "Whatever you need to do, do it now!" Luna yelled.

"Turn her on her side, if she starts vomiting or foaming at the mouth she'll choke on it while laying on he back." The doctor ordered and Luna did just that. "Inject her with a sterilizer, quickly!"

"I already did doctor!" One of the nurses shouted, indicating to the needle sticking out of Celestia's chest. "But it's not doing anything, her body isn't reacting to the stimul-"

"BLLLUUUUUAAAARRRGGHH!"

Everyone groaned in disgust as a puddle of green puke formed onto the floor. The doctor's eyes widened once more in realization, "her body is reacting to the stimulant, it's rejecting it! She's having an inappropriate response to the stimulant! Sentry in the closet over there right next to you, there is a stack of epipens, I need you to bring me one at once!"

Flash nodded his head, understanding what needed to be done. But as he rushed to the door, he came to a quick halt when he heard a voice speak inside his head.

It won't work. You cannot treat the Descendant with the tools and knowledge you have. You do not understand what is truly happening.

"Then show me." Flash growled, causing everyone to look at him like he was crazy.

Look at the Descendant.

Flash did and what he saw he didn't believe. It was like looking at her with X-ray vision, but instead of bones he say several multicolored veins stretch along Celestia's body and all lead to an organ on the right side of her chest. These veins were carrying magic to the organ on the right side of her chest, but...but it was rejecting it.

Flash understood what needed to be done and he immediately flew on top of Celestia.

"What do you think you're doing?!" The doctor shrieked. "I told you to bring me an Epipen!"

Flash ignored the doctor's yelling and raised his hoof over the right part of Celestia's chest, parallel to where the heart was. His eyes glowed bright gold as multicolored magic rose from her chest like a pillar and into Flash's hoof.

"Sentry...stop...this...at...once!" Luna yelled between grunts as her strength began to slip and her grip on Celestia was starting to slip.

"Wait, look!" One of the nurses shouted, pointing to the heart monitor.

"I don't believe it, she's stabilizing!" The doctor said with amazement, as both pulses on the monitor were returning to their normal readings and Celestia's body had stopped moving but she was still breathing.

When the small multicolored pillar vanished from Celestia's body, Flash's eyes returned to normal and he groaned as a large headache echoed in his head. "Did I do it?" He asked wearily, before falling backwards and was caught by Luna's magic before hitting the floor.

"I don't understand." The doctor said, rubbing his chin. "I've never seen this kind of reaction before, or what even caused it. But chances are, it's going to happen again and we'll need to be ready. But it would be lots of help if we knew what we were dealing with."

"Magic." Flash answered as Luna released him from her magic. "I don't know how...but her body was trying to repel the magic inside of her. Like it was a poison or something."

The doctor and nurses looked amongst one another in confusion before the doctor cleared his throat and stated, "that's impossible."

"Let's not rule anything out just yet doctor." Luna said.

"There's nothing to rule out, it isn't possible." The doctor stated once again, more firmly this time.

"Could you explain why?" Flash asked. "You know, for the sake of everyone who doesn't understand."

The doctor sighed and rolled his eyes before walked over to the wall and pulling down on a sheet from the ceiling with the picture of a pony with a skeleton and only showing the organs inside.

"Now then, as everyone knows, the pony body is comprised of many organs, but the four important ones are located mainly in the upper chest area. The heart, the two lungs, and the polyī. The polyī is like the heart's brother, it functions just like it, but instead of pumping blood throughout the body, it pumps magic instead. There are multiple veins, which transport magic, that are intertwined with the body's blood veins." The doctor explained before continuing. "Magic is everywhere in the atmosphere, we take in magic by breathing in. The lungs absorb the oxygen, but it cannot absorb the magic just like it can't absorb carbon dioxide. Therefore, red blood cells collect pieces of magic and transport them through the heart via the the left atrium. The blood flows through the heart and is eventually transported to the polyī, where the magic is separated from the red blood cells and then flows through the magic veins until it is then used." The doctor said as he pulled down on the screen and released it, causing it to automatically roll back up. "The point I'm trying to make here is that it is simply impossible to have an...inappropriate response to magic. It's like saying your allergic to air, and how do you not know about the Polyī? It's literally inside of you."

"I knew what it is, I just never understood what it did." Flash said in defense. "But...is it possible that she could be...you know...allergic to magic?"

"............That, is thee stupidest question I've ever heard." The doctor stated flatly.

"Sentry may have a point." Luna said. "I mean, how else would he have been able to stop...whatever was happening to my sister?"

"CMA." The doctor answered.

"I beg your pardon?" Luna asked, very slightly baffled.

"CMA, Complete-Magical-Absence." The doctor said, explaining the abbreviation. "As I stated before, the polyī is just like the heart and is connected to the majority of the body. As such, it plays a key role in the immune system as it produces G cells which supercharge white blood cells, as well as preventing any T cells from becoming susceptible to any viruses. The G cells act as a...stepping stool for the immune system, but if you remove magic from the body, you weaken the immune system, which is what you've just done."

"Oh..." Flash said looking down with shame. "So I've just single-handedly doomed Princess Celestia."

"Normally, yes if there was a virus inside of her. But as I said before, we looked her over and there was no sign of anything harmful equal to and above the cellular level. Therefore, you did the right thing." The doctor explained, which made Flash feel a lot better. "But there's still the problem at hoof we need to address, figuring out what's causing all of this. If we could somehow isolate the problem, we could create an artificial antibody that could somehow repel whatever's doing this."

"Doctor, I know you don't believe Sentry when he says that magic may be the cause of this, but allow us to do an experiment." Luna said before explaining. "We'll take some of my sister's white and red blood cells and add a...G cell, you called it?" Luna asked and the doctor's nod confirmed her answer. "We shall add a G cell to a drop of blood containing my sister's white and red blood cells and monitor what happens under a microscope. Sentry, I want you to watch over my sister while I'm gone. If she goes into another seizure, you know what to do."

Flash gave Luna a nod and a salute before she began her work.





The Griffon Empire was abuzz with commotion. Word had traveled quickly about Gideon's show of power in Equestria and his declaration of war. But the Empire was torn between two sides, on one side, the Griffons were ready to fight the ponies and teach them a lesson, on the other, the Griffons didn't want to fight and feared for their homes, family's, and their lives.

Gideon watched the turmoil of Griffons down from the open window in his castle.

"Please keep your head forward my Prince." One of the Griffin maids asked politely as Gideon turned his head foward and stared at his reflection, and his reflection stared back. But both eyes were focused on the scar over his eye. A permanent reminder of who was the top dog of this world.

But now that top dog has fallen and her position needed to be filled.

Currently, Gideon was being dressed before speaking to the public. He wore a professional white military general coat, with a red strap over his right shoulder that reached to his left hip. His hair had been groomed, his eyebrows straightened, and his posture was tall and proud like a king should be.

The doors to the room opened and Lexus entered.

"Ah, there you are Gideon." Lexus said, sounding slightly more relaxed than usual as he drank his tea. "I see you are all dressed and ready. Are you nervous about speaking to the Griffons ore something?" Lexus asked.

But Gideon didn't say a word, he just stared at the reflection in the spotless mirror. Lexus frowned, he ordered the maids to leave and they did so without hesitation. Once the door was closed and there wasn't any prying ears, Lexus spoke,

"Something's bothering you. Mind telling me what it is?" Lexus asked, lightly swirling his tea.

Gideon remained silent for a moment before speaking. "Why was I born a prince?" He asked.

"Well you see, when your mother and father loved each other very much-"

"I meant why couldn't I have been just a normal Griffin?" Gideon said, correcting his question. "I never wanted to be a prince Uncle, and you know the reason why."

Lexus sighed, taking another sip of his tea before he asked his nephew a very important question. "Tell me Gideon, do you believe in destiny?"

Gideon moved his eyes, but not his head, away from his reflection and to Lexus. "If you're asking do I believe that everyone is bound to a certain fate in which they cannot escape, then no."

"Destiny isn't like what people think it is." Lexus said as he began to explain. "You see, our lives are like a book. Every minute we live is a sentence, every hour a paragraph, every day 24 paragraphs, and every year a chapter. But in every book there are moments in which something unique happens-"

"Get to the point old Griffin." Gideon grunted.

"The point I was trying to make, is that only certain parts of our future are set in stone. Not all of it. There will be moments that are bound to happen and cannot be avoided, but there are moments when you get to choose what you want to do and how you will do it." Lexus explained. "Now the only question you need to ask yourself is this, is this moment set in stone? Or am I free to do what I want, how I want?"

"That is very vague, you know that right?" Gideon asked and Lexus flashed him a toothy grin.

"So...are you ready to face my brother?" Lexus asked.

Gideon was silent for a moment, "it feels like years."

"Can't disagree there, while the changes are minor, they are still there, and now there's all of this. A war has broken out between Griffons and Ponies, and what's most bizarre is your father and sister agree with it." Lexus lightly shook his head. "Well, lets not keep them waiting. Come Gideon, let's begin."

"Right...lets get this over with." Gideon sighed as he and his uncle exited the room.

The two Griffons walked down the halls towards a large door leading to a room. The doors were opened by the two Griffin guards and Gideon and Lexus entered. Awaiting them were two Griffins, one of them was Aurora, dressed in a black dress and black black hat that made her appear like she was going to a funeral.

The larger male Griffon next to her was the Emperor of the Griffons, Arcturus. He had black feathers, except for on the end of his wings like Gideon. He was dressed in a Royal red uniform with gold features on his shoulders and gold strings draped across his chest with buttons along its sides.

"Son." Arcturus greeted briefly.

"Father." Gideon greeted back with equal briefness. (Yes, that's a word.)

"Shall we begin?" Arcturus asked, walking over to the opening leading to the large balcony.

"Come brother, let's not keep father waiting." Aurora said smugly as both she and Gideon walked onto the balcony.

Below them was every Griffon in the city, clumped together so that they may get a glimpse of the three royals before them. There was cheering, yelling, screaming, crying, no matter what it was, it was loud. But their deafening sounds were hushed by the raise of Arcturus' claw. With his audience now silent and their attention caught, Arcturus spoke.

"My Griffons!" He spoke, his voice amplified by the microphone attached to the bars on the balcony. "I'm not one to mince words or beat around the bush, so I'll get straight to the point. We have declared war against the Ponies!" Arcturus proclaimed, causing chatter to erupt amongst the crowd. "But there is nothing to fear, for Celestia, the Goddess of the Sun, has fallen! My son, defeated her and now they are vulnerable! Now is the time to strike!"

"But they have magic!" Some Griffin from the crowd shouted.

"I am aware. But we too have a powerful magic, one ten times more powerful than Celestia's. My son is the wielder of this magic, and he will be the one to lead our first assault! So here he is now, to say a few words to his Griffons." Arcturus said, gesturing to his son to come forward.

Gideon reluctantly approached the microphone, his father stepping aside so that he could speak to the crowd. Gideon looked at the crowd of Griffons and was at a loss for words. Literally, because he opened and closed his mouth like a fish, receiving puzzled looks from the crowd and a frown from his father who decided to intervene.

"I apologize, it seems that my son is a bit exhausted. Give him time to rest until he has recuperated." He looked at the maids stationed at the opening and signaled them to take Gideon to his room, which they did at once.

As Aurora took her leave, Arcturus also left only to run into Lexus.

"Gideon." He stated with a frown.

"What about it?" Arcturus asked, not even bothering to stop.

Lexus stood in Arcturus' path and made him stop. "His name is Gideon. But not once have you ever called him that." He said with a frown. "It's always 'my son' or 'my child' or 'my descendant', but never Gideon. He is your son, and he deserves the respect he was born with."

"He is my son, and I shall treat him as a father is to treat his offspring." Arcturus said.

"His name is Gideon you Scheißkopf Miststück!" Lexus cursed in Griffon, receiving a mixture of gasps and glares towards Lexus.

Arcturus glared at Lexus and calmly said, "do not mistake your place Lexus." He growled.

"My place" he spat, "is as equal as yours. May I remind you that it was I who gave you the throne? Father chose me to be the Emperor, but after my failure in Stalliongrad, I stepped down and gave you the throne."

"Yes. Because you were a fool, you still are." Arcturus said before quoting from a history book. "For ten years Emperor Lexus waged siege against the great city in the frozen north. But despite the countless losses he did not stop his assault. It wasn't until the death of his son that Lexus stopped the assault and returned home, only to give the throne to his brother and rot his brain with illusionist tea." Arcturus spat, causing Lexus to lower his gaze to the floor. "Do not think, that just because you lost your child that you can replace him with mine." Arcturus said.

Finding no interest in his brother, Arcturus walked past Lexus.




> Chapter 10: The face of God (Part 1)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I have seen God's true face. Never before have I felt such tears of sorrow dripping down my cheeks."

Forthum, The Heritic.





Home; a place where we feel safe, a place where our friends and family are within arms reach, a place that we know will always be there for us when we our in times of strife.

Forester was deprived the gift of a home. Labeled as evil in the ways of his god and painted as a pagan in the eyes of the Deer. Was this right? Was this the correct course that Forester had to take? These thoughts coursed through Forester's mind as he stared at Redwood Forest. It would be the last time he ever saw it, all the friends he had made, all the memories they shared, he was walking away from it all.

"Forester. I can feel your sorrow. May I offer you some comfort with reasoning?"

"I have lost my home," Forester began, "I have lost those who I called friends, and worst of all, I have lost my faith." Forester had to hold back his tears when he said that last part. "And I have you to blame for it."

Please, Forester, let me help you."

A turmoil of emotions swirled inside of Forester. But one stuck out among the others.

Hate.

Hatred for the Element of Life, hatred that he lost everything he once held dear, hatred in himself that he allowed this to happen. That he willingly allowed this to happen. His heart began to race, his breathing became hard and violent, and his blood began to boil. It was all the Element's fault, if it had never come to him it would never had put the transgressing thoughts in his head. He would still have a home, his friends, his loved ones.

His Faith.

"Calm yourself Forester-"

Forester cut the Element of Life off as he plunged his hoof into his chest. Dripping blood pooled beneath his hind legs as his hoof pulled the Element of Life from his chest and threw it far away from him.

"THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!" Forester roared as the Element of Life bounced a couple times against the ground before coming to a stop. "YOU DID THIS! YOU COST ME MY FAITH! YOU ARE THE WICKED THAT TEMPED ME AND I FELL FROM GRACE BECAUSE OF YOU!" Forester yelled, his chest rose and fell before he turned his back to the Element and began walking away.

"Do you renounce the Elemental of Life?"

Forester stopped, droplets of blood still running down his chest and staining the green blades of grass red. He turned back to the Element of Life and answered, "I will never become the Elemental of Life, nor will I allow you to corrupt any other kind soul to your evil ways. You will stay where you are forever, never to seek out another host so long as you continue to exist."

The Element did not respond. Forester assumed that the Element would obey the orders he gave it and started walking away once more. Once Forester was no longer in sight, the Element started to glow.

 "Scanning for suitable host..."

"Scanning..."

"Error...no suitable host detected. Life is in extreme danger."





The Griffon Empire was in chaos. With the declaration of war on Equestria now official, the entire Empire was preparing for battle. The Empire was experiencing first hand the benefits of war; jobs had been made for producing weapons, drafts had been posted for Griffons to sign up as soldiers, and the entire Empire was filled with something that it hadn't felt in a long time.

Promise. Promise that there would be victory, promise that there would be something better waiting for them when the dust settled. It was laughable to see two species killing one another for something as pointless as 'respect'.

Aurora found amusement in watching Griffons sign their names so that they would march off into battle. Foolishly signing away their very lives, the only promise that would be fulfilled was the promise of death. Death would haunt the battlefields like a phantom, plunking every living thing that came onto the field and devouring their souls.

They would all die, and for what? For peace? For respect? For the worthless dirt? No, it wasn't fair to associate dirt with respect. You could get a claw-full of bits for a nice patch of soil.

Aurora was oddly cheery, she felt like a birthday girl with a mountain of presents all filled with everything she ever desired.

"Can you feel it Aurora? Can you feel the dread looming in the air?"

"Something has happened hasn't it?" Aurora assumed, a smile still on her face. "It's not the war, something far greater has happened. Don't leave me in suspense, tell me!" Aurora demanded like a giddy schoolgirl.

"Excited aren't we? I know better than to leave you in anticipation, so I'll tell you why you are so happy. 

"The Elemental of Life has fallen."

Aurora's smile lowered a few centimeters. "Who?" She asked, her tone slightly disappointed to the answer she had been given.

"Oh that's right, you don't know the history that the Element of Death and the Element of Life share. Well then, allow me to educate you my host."

A black dot appeared in front of Aurora, the dot then stretched out and became a line, then the line stretched upwards and created a square which the Element of Death used as a screen to project the history between life and death.

"In the beginning there was nothing. Then there was magic." The screen lit up with an explosion of all kinds of color. "The first magic was raw and pure, unfiltered by anything. But then the magic began to cool and parts of it took shape." A picture of a simple white circle appeared on the screen and it morphed into the shape of a pony. "The first Elemental of Life was known as 'The Being' with the Element of Life created several forms of life so that it could no longer feel alone." Other white forms appeared on the screen next to The Being. "But magic demands balance. Where there was life, there must be death." The white forms next to The Being vanished, replaced with a new form completely dark grey so that it was visible. "The first Elemental of Death came into existence. His name was 'The Outsider'." The screen showed both The Being and The Outsider standing beside one another.“The Being and The Outsider did not face off against each other like the soon to be Elementals of Life and Death. The Outsider became the warden of the Void and The Being disappeared. The Being and The Outsider vanished from the screen only to be replaced with multiple forms of white and black figures. The only thing the pictures had in common was that the Elementals of Life and Death were all fighting. ”It was only the first Elementals that did not fight one another, but the next generations were always fighting. For you see, the Elemental of Life is capable of creating new life out of thin air and capable of bringing back the dead. Whereas the Elemental of Death has the power to kill anything it touches and their soul is unable to be sent to the Void.”

The black screen faded away. With its disappearance Aurora asked, “So what you’re telling me, is that the Elemental of Life is no longer a threat, right?”

”Precisely, with the Elemental of Life gone you no longer have any competition. All living things are at your mercy my host. They will tremble beneath-...someone is here.”

“I am with you forever until the day you die.” A voice spoke behind Aurora, causing her to spin around. “I have made your bed where you shall lie.” A hooded figure stepped out from the shadows and made herself known to Aurora. “Your time has come, your demise is nigh.” The hooded figure looked to Aurora with a face that could not be seen. “I come for your soul to put you to rest, who am I?”

Aurora used her newfound magic and created a black sword with the picture of a skull on the cross guard. As she aimed the black at the hooded figure she answered the hooded figure’s riddle.

“The Grim Reaper.” She answered as she lunged towards the hooded figure.





Inferthous. A fiery molten land populated by only bipedal demons. The land is constantly in a war of struggle as demons fight against other demons for anything that had any sort of value. Even dirt was fought over by demons and their blood was shed over it. There was no order, there was no peace, there was only a cesspool of death and fighting. But there was a simple rule to this land. Whoever was the strongest, cruelest, most wicked demon was the ruler. Currently, the ruler of Inferthous was a male demon by the name Cathen.

His throne sits on a mountain of skulls, his throne is made from the bones of previous demon kings who had passed away, slain by future demon rulers. Cathen was a massive demon with goat legs, red skin, yellow eyes with the back of them pitch black, razor sharp teeth, and horns sticking out of his forehead. His head also looked really good on that stick.

...

Wait.

Oh wait, he's dead. Cathen is dead guys, his body is ripped open, several bones are missing, and his head is sticking out of a stake. The one responsible for this deed is none other than Mercellous. A female demon with goat legs, orange skin, red eyes with the back part pitch black, and nubs coming out of her forehead. She was currently placing bones she plucked from Cathen's corpse and placing them on the throne. Which now belonged solely to her.

She took her rightful seat on the throne, looking over all of Inferthous were she saw several holes lit up with a yellow glow. In these holes, groups of demons were fighting each other. These pits were filled with cheering, roaring, and demons dying left and right. This sight brought Mercellous a smile of pure joy, her cruelty would give her a long rule over all of Inferthous.

"Mercellous."

Upon hearing her name, Mercellous looked to the sky to see a purple gem descending towards her. She couldn't speak, mainly because all demons never learned how, but she could understand the gem like it was speaking to her through her thoughts.

"You are in great need of Compassion. YOU HAVE BEEN CHOSEN!"

Before Mercellous could do anything, the gem closed the distance between itself and Mercellous and attached itself to Mercellous' forehead. Her eyes turned completely bright purple and a symbol appeared where her pupils once were. In mere seconds she felt herself filled with new emotions. She felt...pain, and suffering.

She could feel the demons dying. Their lives being snuffed out by one another for no reason or meaning. The gem filled Mercellous' mind with language and comprehension. In her mind the gem spoke.

"Compassion is with you now Mercellous. A crisis is coming to this world, one that we cannot defeat alone. Spread your compassion and give to those in need."

Mercellous became engulfed in purple magic, dressing her in purple robes and a wooden walking stick appeared with an orb on the top with the symbol of the gem on it. She flew into the air and purple mist escaped from her body. The mist spread to most of the pits and circled around the demons. Instantly the demons all stopped fighting and stood there, infused by the purple mist. Confused as to how to act.

"We have done all that we can Mercellous. Compassion must be accepted, not forced. It is they who must embrace compassion. We must go, a great crisis must be answered."

And with that, Mercellous vanished in the blink of an eye
> Chapter 11: The face of God (part 2)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"No one is without fear. So long as we are alive we will always have fear. And so long as there is fear, I will always be king."

-King Sombra, the mad tyrant.





How long had Forester been walking? How long had Forester ran from his home, from the Element that corrupted his faith? Everything seemed so different, so vast and unknown. Forester was in a place that could only be described as 'a place void of Nature's touch'. Only rock, dust, and death loomed over this land like a fog, clinging to every inch of land like a cobweb. And Forester was but a fly, a fly that had wandered into a trap.

Forester could feel it, a sense of dread held in the air, a feeling of fear struck his heart like a bolt of lightning. Forester's ears perked up, a hollowed howl echoed through the lifeless land. Forester froze, his eyes wide and his heart stopped for a moment at the sight he was now witnessing.

A creature in grey fur that resembled a goat had its insides cut out and splayed across the ground, being devoured by what could only be described as a large wolf with black fur. Forester could only stare in horror at the act of evil being done to the goat, instinctively taking a step back he moved a patch of pebbles- and caught the wolf's attention.

The wolf paused, its ears perked up and its head slowly slowly rising up from the carcass. Forester's eyes widened even more than before at the sight of the wolf's mouth. Its mouth covered in blood, with chunks of meat sticking out of it. It's eyes were blood red and horns that curled stuck out from its temples. It almost seemed like it was smiling, a grin grew on its face at the appearance of its next meal.

Forester, as if knowing what was about to happen next, ran.

The wolf let Forester gain some distance, it wanted to toy with its meal before devouring it. After Forester had gained some distance, the wolf arched its back and took chase. Its claws digging into rock as the wolf's legs pushed itself forward. Whereas Forester's hooves gave him little traction on the rock. The wolf caught up to Forester in no time at all, it pounced onto him, tackling him and planting him on his back. Forester was frozen in fear as the wolf's hot breath brushed against his face with every pant the wolf gave. The wolf's mouth opened far wider than it should've, showing off its rows upon rows of razor sharp teeth like the jaw of a shark. But before the wolf's jaws could chomp down on Forester something far bigger than the wolf tackled it.

The wolf was thrown away from Forester, it let out cries of pain as the bigger creature sunk its teeth into the wolf's neck. Its cries were silenced after a ear-splitting *CRUNCH*. Forester was thankful for the fog, for he did not have to witness the horror of the wolf being eaten.

Forester didn't waste a second, he was back on his hooves and he ran as fast as he could to put as much distance between himself and the far bigger creature. Once Forester was certain that he was far enough from the creature, he hid behind a large boulder to catch his breath. His racing heart was beginning to stabilize itself, and his heavy breathing softened. For a moment, Forester felt safe.

And then he looked to the left, where he saw a four legged figure with the body of a pony adorned in a brown robe with several vials tied to a belt around the figure's waist with a mask covering its face, two horns jutting out from the mask. Before Forester could react, the masked figure raised its hoof that held a pile of yellow powder in it. With a gentle blow from the figure's mouth, the powder took flight and was blown onto Forester.

Forester coughed and wheezed, swiping his forelegs to wipe away the powder. But his eyes felt heavy, his mind started to become dizzy, his legs buckled and stumbled as he tried to keep balance. Forester then fell forward right into the figure's forelegs, unconscious. The figure took Forester and laid him over her back, the figure began walking away but halted as a loud roar echoed throughout the wasteland. The figure stood still for a brief moment, before continuing with Forester on her back.





Back in Canterlot, in the medical ward, Celestia still remained unconscious. Her body hooked up to several machines and her wellbeing was taken care of by the dozens of nurses and doctors in the room. Meanwhile, outside of the medical ward, Luna had left to enter the science ward of Canterlot Castle. She entered through the doors quickly and violently, catching the scientists and experts in the room to flinch from being startled. Luna, with her eyes completely white, her mane swishing quickly like a whip, and her horn glowing brighter than usual, demanded in the Royal Voice,

"WHERE IS THY MICROSCOPE?!"

If the question itself did not startle the scientists, then the royal voice definitely did the trick as they were all assaulted by the booming voice. Some of the scientists cowered in fear, some ran under tables to hide themselves from Luna. The princess noticed this at once and quickly calmed herself down, she felt terrible instilling fear into her citizens and apologized at once.

"I'm so sorry, I...I didn't mean to do that." She said solemnly before shaking away her regret. "I am in need of assistance, I must observe something under a microscope. Does anyone here know where one is?" She asked.

The ponies in the ward were silent, until one stood up and stepped forward. A unicorn stallion with a grey coat, white beard and man, and square glasses approached Luna. "I'll help you your highness." The stallion said, walking away from the room he travelled down a hallway with Luna following.

"What is your name?" Luna asked as the two continued down the hall.

"Gizmo, your highness." The stallion now known as Gizmo answered. "If I may ask, what is it you need to observe with a microscope?"

Luna levitated the vile of her sister's blood towards Gizmo. "My sister is in peril, and we believe that there is something-"

Gizmo lifted a hoof to silence Luna, "Say no more you majesty." Gizmo said. "We may be locked in here, but we know about the Griffons declaring war on Equestria, and them hurting Princess Celestia." Gizmo said with a bit of hatred in his voice.

The two entered a clean room with tables, sinks, and cabinets. The room was filled with all kinds of scientific instruments, but the one that caught Luna's eye was the microscope sitting on a desk in the corner of the room. Gizmo and Luna approached the microscope where Gizmo began preparing it straight it away. Gizmo used his magic to levitate a rectangular piece of glass towards Luna. "Place a drop of Princess Celestia's blood onto here." He ordered.

Luna did so by tipping the vile slightly, causing several droplets to drop onto the glass. Gizmo took the glass and placed it under the lens of the microscope. He leaned forwards, looking at the droplets of blood through the powerful lenses. He watched the blood for what seemed like hours before retracting his gaze from the droplets.

"Well?" Luna asked?

"Well...there's nothing." Gizmo answered. "Just the normal cells that us ponies have. Although I will say that I didn't see a whole lot of G cells."

Luna's ears perked up upon hearing that. "Do you have any G cells on hoof that you could insert into the blood?" She asked.

Gizmo answered Luna by using his magic to open a cabinet and levitate a vile of clear liquid towards them. Without a word, he used his magic to take a droplet of the clear liquid and placed it onto the the droplet of blood. The two droplets stuck together for a moment, Gizmo looked through the microscope once more and his eyes widened.

"Good lord." He exclaimed.

"What is it?" Luna asked in a worried and frantic state.

Gizmo stepped back, allowing Luna to look through the powerful lens. She saw several dots, each one a different color. But her eyes were drawn to the group of grey dots which she could only assume was the G cells. What she saw made her eyes widen just like with Gizmo. Every cell in droplet of blood was racing towards the G cells and committing suicide. They would run into the G cells, the two would wrestle with one another before they became one cell. The new cell would turn black and disintegrate.

Luna looked up from the microscope and asked Gizmo, "What is happening?" She demanded.

Gizmo paused, his mouth opened and closed like fish as he tried to find the words to describe it. "It's...irregular." He spoke. "Every cell in the body is attacking the G cells, damaging both cells to the point where they are all destroyed." Gizmo stroked his beard as he pondered. "This explains Princess Celestia's illness. With her lack of cells, her immune system is weak and easily broken, even to the point where the air itself could become toxic."

"Is there anyway to remedy this?" Luna asked in fear for her sister's life.

"Yes there is." Gizmo answered. "I have a theory that something has tricked the cells inside of Princess Celestia to make them think that the G cells are a virus. A dangerous virus, so much so that they are willing to destroy themselves in order to purge it. Therefore, the thing to do would be to remove the G cells from her body at once."

That was all Luna needed as she flew out of the scientific ward with extraordinary speeds. She was in the medical ward in no time at all, where she kicked down the doors. Inside, was still her unconscious sister, the dozens of nurses and doctors attending to her, Flash Sentry, and the doctor. But there was a new pony in the room, a stallion guard clad in golden armor had been talking to Flash. When Luna had entered the room, the guard seemed to have a sad and disappointed look. He held his low, not bearing to face Luna as he spoke.

"Princess Luna...I'm so sorry." The guard said sorrowfully.

Luna's mind raced to her sister, she demanded from the guard, "WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO MY SISTER?!"

The guard flinched, but Flash quickly stepped forward to clear the air. "Princess Celestia is fine your majesty." Flash answered. "What the guard is referring to is the mob of ponies at the gate. They broke through with the help of seven very popular mares."

Luna raised a brow, perplexed as to what Flash was referring to before she knew what Flash was talking about. The Royal Guard was strong, but it was weak when it faced against magic. This was why the Royal Guard were helpless during the attack of Tirek, the Changeling invasion, and Discord's release. There was only one group of mares with powerful magic that could've broken down the gates and entered.

The Elements of Harmony had breached Canterlot.





Forester awoke with a jump. His body bolted upright, his chest heaved up and down to match his accelerating breath and heartbeat. His mind was racing, his head swung left and right frantically to scan the room for any dangers. Once he knew that none were present he began to calm down. Forester became aware of his surroundings once he had calmed down, he was lying on a bed under two sets of covers that had the edges neatly tucked under the mattress, behind Forester were two pillows which laid up against the back frame of the wooden bed. Forester's gaze looked to the room around him, everything was made out of wood but not the wood that had been cut and furnished. Forester recognized the style of the building as he had lived in one his whole life.

The deer believed that nature bestowed upon them three gifts. The first gift was plants from which the deer could feed, the second gift was water so that the plants would grow, and the third gift was the trees where the deer would take shelter. Nature would grow trees that were so large that the deer could carve them out and live in them. The same was for this house, it was the insides of a tree. Only this house was different, it had furniture that had been carved from different wood and placed in the room, the rings of the trunk were covered by a rug that was made of fine silk, and glass had been put up where the windows were carved out.

This was not the work of a deer, this was the craftsmanship of a pony. Forester had learned about the culture and different styles that the ponies had. But the work done on the house was a mismatch of pony and deer craftsmanship.

Forester's gaze landed on the stairs deescalating in a spiral. The stairs were planks of wood sticking out from a metal pole that descended in a spiral. Forester's brow furrowed, he pulled the covers aside and stood up from his bed. He made his way towards the stair case slowly as his legs felt sore for some reason. He clung to the metal pole as he descended down into the room underneath.

The new room was the same size as the one he had previously been in, only this one had different furniture. There were rugs along the floor, a couch and a cushioned chair, beside the couch and chair was a bookshelf with all kinds of hardcover books on its shelves, and there were two open doors that led outside, one on the side of the room and the other parallel to the first door. Forester made his way to one of these doors carefully, he took a step outside and saw where he was.

The first thing Forester recognized was the tree, it was known by the deer as Kinswood, but the ponies called it 'porcupine tree'. The tree was known as this because it grew strong and sturdy branches in no time at all, it was almost like a new tree sprouted from the trunk. Forester saw several tree houses that had been built around some of the strong branches, each house was connected to one another via rope bridge.

Forester looked down to see that the treehouse he had been in was the lowest and largest one of the others as it had been built inside the base trunk of the tree. The distance between Forester and the ground was roughly 200 feet high, high enough to where Forester would injure himself if he were to fall. Forester looked outwards to see the area of grass and flowers that surrounded the area of the tree and the cold barren wasteland that lie ahead of it. The tree was the only one Forester could see, there was only mountains and rock that surrounded it. It was as if life clung to the tree, almost like the vegetation would perish if it moved even an inch.

Forester's ears perked up, detecting the sound of a door releasing a loud moan as it swung open. His head swung to look behind him to see the other door opening. A hoof stepped into the room, followed by the body of, what Forester could only assume to be, the owner of this house. To Forester's surprise, the figure that had entered the room was a female deer with light brown fur, grey eyes, a white underbelly that stretched from under her neck to the tip of her tail. The female deer looked to Forester with a calm and normal gaze, she spoke in a firm and light tone,

"I see you're awake." The female deer said, "try not to overexert yourself, your body is fragile after being unconscious." The female deer was referring to the powder that she had blown onto Forester to render him unconscious. She calmly walked over to the cushioned chair and took a seat in it. "Take a seat Forester, we have much to discuss."

Forester was skeptical, he slowly walked over in front of the couch but did not take a seat. The female deer noticed this right away.

"Is there a problem Forester?" The female deer asked.

"I find it offensive to sit on something that was made from the stolen feathers of chickens and the shredded wool of sheep." Forester stated.

"Very well, stand if so desire." The female deer said.

"How do you know my name?" Forester demanded.

"I know many things." The female deer answered. "I know things which my kind found appalling, and I was banished as a result. Branded with the mark of 'heretic'."

Forester's eyes widened in shock as he knew the identity of the female deer. He had learned about her when he was young, as did all other deer when they were young. "You are Forthnum, the heretic, the traitor, the liar." Forester growled.

"My name is Forthnum, that is true, but I wouldn't go so far as to call myself a heretic simply because I learned the truth." The female deer now known as Fortnum said.

Forester took a step forward, "You denounced the ways of Nature, you associated yourself with ponies and brought their ways into the culture of the deer."

"You only know the story that the four seasons fabricated, would you be willing to hear my side of the story?" Forthnum asked. Forester refused to attend in Forthum's storytelling and made way for the door, only for the doors to slam shut and lock. "And yes, that was a rhetorical question."

Forester looked back to Forthnum with a puzzled expression. "You used magic?" He asked incredulously.

Forthnum gestured to the couch, "Sit, and I will tell you the story."

Forester still refused to sit, but he stood before Forthnum.

Forthnum began her story, "When I was 6, I had memorized every text, transcript, and book the deer culture had to offer. I craved knowledge, and one day I happened to come across a group of ponies that were settlers in search of a place to put their city. I accompanied them on their travel and delved into the culture and history of the ponies. The ponies were creative creatures, they made so many wonders out of the works of Nature."

"It wasn't long until we came across a land that was plentiful in soil and the perfect place to build a town. The group began cutting down the forests from which they built their houses, they began herding animals from which they farmed, and they built farms from which they fed themselves." Forthnum explained.

"And you let them do this? You just stood there and watched as they carved up Nature's gift?" Forester asked with disappointment.

"Forester...I wasn't the only deer in that town." Forthnum stated, causing Forester's eyes to widen in shock. "There was a tribe of deer that resided in the forest where the town was constructed. They were sick and dying, do you know what was giving them their sickness?" Forthnum asked Forester, only for her to answer her own question. "It was the trees, or to be more specific, the leaves which were poisoning the the deer. When the ponies cut down the trees they removed the sickness and the deer were forever grateful. The deer and ponies lived in harmony, the deer taught the ponies the way of Nature and Ponies accepted it as their belief."

"The ponies...worshiped Nature?" Forester asked in bewilderment.

Forthnum nodded, "They did, they accepted and worshiped the traditions of the deer as if they were our own kin. They were apostles of Nature herself." Forthnum's tone became sour and angry as she continued. "But one day, we began to notice that something was eating our crops. We assumed that it must've been some cattle that had gotten loose and paid no attention to it. But as time went one, the sheep and cattle were being found dead every day. Their body's dragged away from the town and torn to shreds to the point where they were unrecognizable as a sheep or a cattle. But that was just the start, it escalated quickly as a young filly had been killed in the middle of the town overnight. The truth became obvious too late, we were being hunted."

"There were creatures indigenous to this land, they avoided the town but when they began to change so did their habits. These creatures had evolved, Forester, I watched as they grew bigger and stronger with each passing day, becoming so daring that they would slaughter one of our own. It was Nature that evolved them Forester, and it was Nature that was killing us." Forthnum explained. "We didn't think that at first, we could never believe that our beloved god would do such a thing. We prayed to Nature to turn the monsters away from us but our prayers were never answered. Instead, Nature abandoned us when the monsters attacked."

"I awoke to the blood curling sound of screams and the vicious roaring of demons. What I saw still haunts me to this day, monsters tearing apart ponies and deer like their lives meant nothing, like they were nothing but food. They killed them all, Forester, the deer, the ponies, the town, the farms, everything. They destroyed it all like it was nothing." Forthnum glared at Forester to address the seriousness in her tone. "I held the corpse of a colt in my hooves with tears streaming down my face, I got on my knees and pleaded that Nature save us, that she come down ands kill these monsters." Forthnum's tone became somber and furious. "Nature did show herself, she presented herself in the form of a beast that could topple any building with ease. But what I saw made me lose my faith that day, I was betrayed by Nature when the truth was unveiled before my very eyes. Nature presented herself as the mother from which the monsters spawned from, the very monsters that killed the colt I held in my hooves. Nature, wanted us to die that day. She did not care if we were apart of her faith or not, she only saw us as vermin."

"Lies."

Forthnum blinked with a perplexed look on her face. "Pardon?" She asked.

Forester repeated himself, "Lies, all of it. You presumed Nature to be some beast that attacked you when Nature has no form, she is every life all around us."

Forthnum sighed, slowly shaking her head, "I had hoped that we could solve this crisis of yours easily. But it seems that I have no choice but to force you to accept the truth." Forthnum said as Forester was shown out the door and onto the rope bridge. Forthnum walked onto the bridge using her magic to keep Forester restrained she levitated Forester over the bridge and began to let him slowly descend to the ground. "Here's how this is going to work Forester, you are going to play a little game. The same creatures that attacked the town are still indigenous to this land, so I suggest you not get cornered by them. The only way you can win this game is by answering a simple question," Forthnum said as Forester touched the ground.

"What is the meaning of life?"