> Returning Home > by Arceaion > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Prologue - Death > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- WARNING: Okay so BIG warning this story is really violent. Normally I don't write like this but I had this Idea a long time ago and I want to post it. I don't know what will happen with this story but I don't want you all to not be warned So if you are sensitive to this kind of stuff then you have been warned. Returning Home Arc I - Fall of the Hive Twilight sighed as she continued to organize the shelves of her new castles library. It had been a week since Tirek had destroyed the Golden Oaks Library and she still had so much to organize. Twilight was shaken out of her thoughts as someone grabbed her from behind and slammed her into one of the bookshelf's. Twilight gasped as a tall dark pony stood over her. "Greeting Twilight Sparkle." The Pony said as green flames enveloped the pony burning away the visage. "Chrysalis, why are you here." Twilight growled as the queen approached her with a smirk. "Why, I'm here for you Twilight. You have been a thorn in my side for some time." The queen grabbed twilight by the throat and lifted her off the ground. "You and all the Elements as well as those damn princesses." She spat. "But no more, I will finally be rid of you." She said as she drew a knife and stabbed Twilight in the stomach and released her. Twilight gasped a she clutched her stomach. "Even if I die Equestria will find a way to survive." Twilight gasped out. Chrysalis chuckled. "Perhaps, you see I realized that when I invaded during the wedding I didn't go far enough." Chrysalis smiled. "I should have dealt with you then but I didn't." Chrysalis slammed her fist into the young Alicorns head repeatedly as she laughed. "I'm going to enjoy them finding your mutilated body, there despair, there pain It will be delicious." She raised the knife and stabbed Twilight through her right eye and twisted ripping it out. Twilight screamed as her eye was ripped from its socket. Chrysalis raised the knife to her face and licked the blood from it when she reached the eye she bit into it and pulled it from the knife before swallowing with an audible gulp. "With your death all of Equestria will fall onto despair and as they mourn you I will claim what's rightfully mine." Chrysalis laughed as she grabbed the alicorn and turned her over. "But first I will enjoy myself." She placed the knife at the base of Twilight's new wings and began to saw them off. Twilight screamed as the knife cut deep into her flesh. "Struggle all you like my dear, this knife is enchanted to cut through anything." Chrysalis leaned down her face next to Twilight's ear. "Even bone." She said as with in one fluid movement she chopped the wing off. Twilight Screamed as the wing fell from her back, Chrysalis smiled and moved the blade to the next. The torture lasted for what felt like hours and by the time the queen was done Twilight's voice was horse from the screaming. "I would love to break you Twilight. To here you scream and moan in pleasure but sadly I have things to do and an army to unleash. I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did Twilight Sparkle." Chrysalis raised the blade above her head and plunged the blade into the alicorns heart. Twilight gasped her eye growing wide before the light faded from it. Suddenly the castles doors were blasted off the hinges by a yellow and blue aura. Celestia and Luna as well as the remaining six, Spike and Discord ran in and saw Chrysalis. The Queen smiled. "Too late~." She sang as a portal appeared beneath her. Discord charged at her only to crash into the floor. Celestia and Luna ran to Twilight's body, Celestia scooping her up and weeping. "Not another step!" Luna yelled causing the others to freeze. "Don't look, don't look!" She she said tears streaming down her face. "Better you remember her as she was." The funeral was held a week later, it was a closed coffin. Everypony that could came, Friends, family even those who Twilight had merely helped came from across Equestria. Many of the other races rulers came to pay there respects and offer assistance to Celestia and Luna. However once the funeral had passed Equestria did not fall into despair like Chrysalis had believed. Ponies cried but not from sorrow, this time every voice cried out for blood. Chrysalis had done the one thing no other race had, gone too far. The Ponies, who every race believed were soft and unable to fight, rose up almost over night. Blacksmiths hammers rang out as they struck their anvils, Mages gathered preparing for war, the guard that had become simply a ceremonial tradition was alive and training not to keep the peace but to kill, and deep within Canterlot Castle the doors to an armory that had been locked and hidden away were ripped open by Celestia. Torch light glinted off golden armor and a dusty halberd beside it sat the armor of Nightmare Moon and an ancient sword. Celestia and Luna stepped forward and the armor rose in their magic and locked into place. The peace and Harmony that Equestia had known was no more, the fires of war once again roared in the hearts of Ponies. Meanwhile deep within the void twelve beings stirred, Harmony had fallen and their champion was lost. One growled as it looked at its brothers and sisters. The figure seemed made of a magma. "I will not sit idly by as this occurs." She said angrily. "Nor shall we Cruelty, she has altered destiny. Twilight Sparkle was not ready, her destiny unfulfilled." Replied another, its form appearing as that of a light fiery flames licking off it's shoulders "Peace Kindness, it must be placed to a vote." the largest of the beings said, its that of the night itself. "My brethren, I propose we bring her here. No being will disturb her here and we may train her personally." "I agree." aid a being of pure shadow. "All in favor?" He asked as all the beings raised there hands in agreement. "Then it's decided. Twilight Sparkle will be trained here by us personally." The Night said. > Chapter 1 - We are the Elements > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight whimpered and curled further into a ball. The minute the blade of the knife plunged into her heart she had frozen, the look on Chrysalis's face was ingrained into mind she couldn't stop seeing it, then the world faded to black. Twilight knew she had died but here she lay, surrounded by a void of nothing. "Is t-this the afterlife." She asked to no one she just wanted to hear something. A loud chuckle greeted her question and Twilight froze. Slowly ten beings appeared before her. "No this is not the after life. We brought your soul to the Void." A man said as he walked toward her. He has no true physical features but he appeared as if he was a walking swirl of brown energy, he wore what may have been a hat . "Greetings young Twilight, I am Honesty." Twilight slowly uncurled and looked at the other beings. "Who and what are you?" She asked shakily. "We are the physical manifestation of what you call the Elements of Harmony." Another being said the form was that of a man though he appeared as nothing but swirling purple energy, he wore an ancient wizard hat and robes. "I am Magic." The figure said with a bow. "I am his twin and opposite, Necromancy." the figure next to him said. Like the others he had no physical features and only appeared as a that if a sickly green energy. He wore what was most commonly identified as necromancer robes Another stepped forward and bowed. "Greetings Twilight Sparkle, I am Deception Brother of Honesty." Unlike his brother, Deception appeared to be made of a light brown energy and wore what appeared to be a trench coat. Two more figures stepped forward though they were both female, one appeared to be made of Light while the other of Lava. "Greetings Twilight Sparkle, I am Kindness." The one made of light said. She wore light female warrior armor. It was slime and covering. The lava one wore feminine armor as well though it covered very little and appeared to be extremely erotic. She looked over Twilight and even though She had no face she felt as if she was judging her. "I'm Cruelty." He said with a bow before he walked off. "Well you must have potential if Cruelty will bow to you." A female made of pure crystal said as she approached, She wore the robes of what appeared to be an assassin. Beside her was a man who was made of obsidian, He wore heavy armor that was reminiscent of King Sombra. "Greetings, I am Generosity and this is my hubby Greed." Greed bowed. "Greetings Miss. Sparkle, It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance once again." He said. Unlike the others his appearance wasn't hidden and he looked exactly like King Sombra. "S-Sombra!" Twilight gasped and crawled away from him. "Please wait!" He cried out. "I wish to apologize to you Miss. Sparkle. The last we met I was not myself." W-wh-what d-do y-you mean?" Twilight stuttered out. "When we met last I was in the physical plain. The physical plain is like poison to us and slowly drives us mad. When you and your friends used the Crystal Heart on me it returned me to this place and freed me from my madness, thank you Twilight Sparkle. I am in your debt." Twilight smiled shyly and nodded. "Y-your welcome." "Well with that out of the way." A pink figure that appeared to where only basic cloths said as they clapped their hands. "Yo, names Pandemonium though you Know me as laughter." The man next to him sighed and smacked him upside the head. "Have some respect brother." The man said grumpily. He was a darker pink almost red and he wore ancient Romane Legion armor. "Greetings I am Anarchy and I represent that of sorrow." The man said as he turned and saluted Twilight. "Well with your introductions out of the way it's time you met the boss." Pandemonium said with a smile. The others nodded and Kindness approached her. "We will meet again child but for now farewell." With that the other beings except for Pandemonium and Anarchy walked deeper into the void. "This way." Pandemonium said with a flourish. Twilight slowly got up and walked forward following the two Elements. They walked for a time before they approached two new beings. "This is where we leave, see ya kid." Pandemonium said before jumping up and disappeared. Anarchy sighed. Fair well miss." He said and bowed before stepping into the shadows. Twilight took a deep breath an approached the two beings. When she walked up she saw they were meditating and sat down to wait. After a while she grew bored and began to examine them closer. One appeared as if he was the night and wore armor that was similar to that of a knight. The other however was far more intimidating. He had the appearance of that of a living shadow and wore the heavy armor of a Berserker. After sitting there for a few more minutes the the two opened there eyes and looked at Twilight. "Greetings Twilight Sparkle and welcome to the Void. I am Loyalty." The knight said calmly. "I am Betrayal." The Berserker said as he examined her. "You hold great potential but you are far from being prepared for my lessons." He said as he rose and walked away. Loyalty sighed. "Please excuse him. Betrayal is a man of action. I'm his brother and even I can't get that close to him. So I assume you have a lot of questions. Have a seat, ask and I will tell." He said as he sat back down. Twilight hesitated and then sat down in front of the being. "I guess the first question is who or what are you and the others." Twilight said slowly. The being nodded. "A good question. Long ago we were the living beings that forged what you would come to know as the Elements of Harmony. To do this though we sealed our souls into the Elements we represent. Sadly this means we can't leave this place. As for who we were..." The being gazed off into the distance. "We don't really remember. Magic remembers he went by Starswirl the Bearded in life but has no memory of his life but he knows everything about magic. My brother was named Night Terror the Berserker and has some memory of his life, really the only one who remembers there past life is Greed. He was known as King Sombra, when he merged with his Element a part of him remained in the physical world and became a twisted monster. From what he's said, you and your friends destroyed the shadow." "Why are there two versions of the Elements of Harmony?" Twilight asked. "Harmony does not just represent good." Loyalty said. "Harmony represents two opposites coexisting. In truth the Elements are able to be used for both order and chaos. The true name of the Elements have actually been lost." "What were they?" Twilight asked. "Honesty and Deception represent the Element of Choice, Generosity and Greed represent the Element of Desire, Laughter and Sorrow represent the Element of Emotion, Kindness and Cruelty represent the Element of Empathy, Magic and Necromancy represent the Element of Knowledge and Loyalty and Betrayal represent the Element of Allegiance." Twilight nodded in thought. "Okay one more, where are we and why am I here?" She asked. The figure nodded. "This is the Void, a realm between the Physical world and Oblivion. Everything here is in a state of both life and death at the same time. As to the reason as to why you are here, I and the other Elements brought you here after you died to train you to be the Alicorn of Harmony." "I don't understand what do you mean by the Alicorn of Harmony?" Twilight asked. "You will train with each Element once you have mastered our power we will return you to the physical world and you will face Queen Chrysalis and her swarm." "How long will this take?" Twilight asked. "It will take you at least five hundred years to learn and master one Element. However time works diferent in the Void, once your training is done we will send you back and it will be only a few years." Twilight took a deep breath. "When do I begin". Canterlot Castle: War Room Celestia and Luna sat at the head of a long table. To their left was the Chancellor of the Minotaur Republic, Iron Hoof III. On their Left sat the King of the Griffon Empire, Raven Claw. Next was the Crystal Empire, Princes Cadence and Prince Shining Armor were present though they seemed to rather be left alone. After them was the Tribal races such as the Buffalo, Zebra. The Buffalo had sent their chief, Chief Thunderhooves, while the Zebra had sent their lead shaman who surprisingly was Zecora. After them sat the Bat ponies, and Discord. Celestia cleared her throat. "As I'm sure you are all aware of why you have been called here I will get strait down to the point. The changelings have declared war on Equestria-" "And killed young Miss. Sparkle as well. Celestia, you know you have my aid." King Raven Claw interrupter shocking everyone. "Why would the cold hearted Lightning King stand with Equestria?" Chancellor Iron Hoof asked in shock. "Long ago when Twilight first came to the castle as Princess Celestia apprentice she and I meet. She was perhaps the only pony to not be afraid of me for being a griffon. She was very bright and we talked for quite some time. Despite not seeing each other often she and I were friends in a sense. The fact that one such as her was murdered in such a way... it is something I can't allow!" The King exclaimed as he slammed his fist onto the table. The room was silent for a moment before Zecora nodded. "It is good that Twilight has such friends, perhaps together we can make amends. Twilight Sparkle was a dear friend I will miss, I will aid you in stopping the Queen Chrysalis." "Twilight Sparkle as friend to our lady." A bat pony said as they stepped forward. "As long as this conflict lasts and Princess Luna fights then so shall we." "Thank you my ponies." Luna said as tears fell from her eyes. "Twilight was my sister," Cadence said as she looked up. "you have the full support of the Empire at your call Celestia." Cadences voice was laced with hate and for a moment her eyes changed becoming draconic. All the diplomats shuddered at the sight. When a Alicorns eyes turn draconic nothing good ever happened A sudden knock came from the doors and a guard entered. "Princess the Dragon King is here." He said before he was shoved out of the way by a tall dragon. "Where is that witch!" He screamed. "King Inferno, please calm down." King Raven Claw said as he rose and walked over to the Dragon. "I will calm down when that insect pays!" The King Inferno growled. "Twilight was a dear friend and I will see that the Changeling pays." "Anger will only lead to brash action and clouded judgement." Raven Claw said. The Dragon King turned to the griffon and looked at him. "Funny how almost every one of us has been effected by Twilight. Be it direct or indirect we each have been affected by Twilight." The dragon sad as he walked over to the table and sat down." The Chancellor sighed. "No, she has affected us all. My son, Iron Will, went to Ponyville some time ago and met one of her friends Fluttershy." Iron Hoof sighed. "Finally put some sense into that boy, came home and became a damn good prince." The Chancellor snorted. "Even Discord is here and I know he is going to help." Discord eyed the Minotaur curiously. "Oh, how so?" He asked. The Chancellor laughed. "Cause you haven't said a damn thing or annoyed any of us. You seem... distant. Like a child who's favorite toy is broken and they know it cant be fixed." Discord sighed. "Indeed this whole situation has made me... serious." Discord sad calmly. "Then again you all had no idea what she was suppose to become." Celestia tilted her head. "What do you mean Discord?" Discord sighed. "Twilight Sparkle wasn't going to be the Alicorn of Friendship. She was going to be the Alicorn of Harmony. Se would have been my equal if not greater, able to wield both Order and Chaos." Everyone stared at the Draconequus in shock. "But then Chrysalis had to go and screw everything up." Discord frowned and turned to Celestia. "You have my and my races aid. The Draconequus will fight for you Celestia." "Then It's settled." Raven Claw said. "We will destroy the changelings, for Twilight." The other rulers and diplomats nodded. "For Twilight." The others said their voices filled with determination. Far off in the distance at the border of the Badlands the Changeling swarm approached the first outpost. "Go my children drain all there love and then kill them, kill them all!" Chrysalis laughed as the swarm charged and descended upon the outpost like locusts. > Chapter 2 - The Battle of Dodge City. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight stood in the center of a great desert before her were Honesty and Deception, there stetson shielding them from the artificial suns rays. "So Loyalty sent you to train with us huh?" Deception asked. Honesty walked around Twilight examining her. "Well, we certainly have our work cut out for us." He grumbled. "You even know how to use Earth Pony magic?" "Earth ponies have a passive ability to grow plants by infusing them with magic but that's all they can really do." Twilight replied causing the two Beings to stare at her in shock. "That's all they know how to do now!" Deception growled and stomped his hoof onto the ground. When he did the ground shook and a mountain rose from the ground. "This is called Geomancy. It is a form of fighting style that taps into the earth itself and bends it to the users will." Honesty slammed his fists together and slowly his body turned to stone. "This technique is called Still Way, it hardens the users skin to that of stone. It increases ones strength endurance and durability, while decreasing the users speed maneuverability and offensive capability. This was taught to foals and was used on a daily basis for both labor and battle. Do Earth Ponies truly not know how there ancestors built castles in a day or lifted over eighty times there weight as if the lifted a stone?" Twilight gulped and shook her head. The two beings groaned. "You have much to learn Twilight." Deception said. "The first thing you will do is train your body. Once were done with that we will teach you the true power of the Earth Pony." "Let's start with some weight training." Honesty said and a large boulder that was triple twilight's size appeared. "Sit down." Honesty ordered and Twilight sat. Deception then took out a large amount of rope and secured it to the boulder before fashioning a harness and tying it to twilight "This boulder weighs 600 pounds, this will be your weight for you back. Now spread out your legs." Twilight uncurled her legs and Honesty tied heavy stones to her legs. "Each stone weighs 200 pounds. Honesty then took her arms and tied stones to them. "These weigh 100 pounds each, they're lighter so that you can move more easily. We'll be working on your arm strength anyway. Now the first thing your going to do is learn to walk with this weight." "How is this fair!" Twilight exclaimed angrily. "This is how earth ponies were trained in our time." Deception said calmly. "The stones act as weights as you get stronger the weight will become less noticeable till when it is removed. When it is you will be faster, stronger, and have greater agility. During this time you will go on daily runs, climb mountains and much more. I won't lie it's hard at first but it gets better. Now let's start the run. Pinkie Pie stood at the barricaded entrance to Dodge City, at her side a tall black dragon stood his arms crossed as he watched to pink pony. "Stop watching me and start watching for changelings." Pinkie growled at the dragon. "I heard you were a fun loving pony that loved to party." The dragon huffed as he returned to watching the land. "Would you be happy if some meany when and murdered your bestest friend and then laughed at you for being to late as she escapes through a portal?" Pinkie asked grumpily. "Ponies are normally happy and friendly but when we are pushed too far the party ends and things get serous." "I..." The dragon thought for a moment before closing his mouth. After a while he sighed. "I honestly have nothing to say." The two watched in silence before pinkie turned to the dragon. "How did Twilight know King Inferno?" She asked. The dragon chuckled. "Oh that's a story. When word reached King Inferno about what had occurred the day of the Rainboom he was furious and came to the castle demanding to see the pony that could hatch a dragon's egg. When Celestia said no the King was enraged and began to smash through the castle trying to find this pony even though he had no idea what they looked like. Celestia tried to stop him but even your princess has a hard time stopping a fully grown enraged dragon. Eventually he came upon a little filly wrapped around a baby dragon. When the King saw this he moved to roar at the filly but the filly used her magic to clamp his mouth shut and said one thing." Pinkie turned to the dragon curious. "What did she say?" Pinkie asked. "Shush." The dragon said causing pinkie to blink in surprise. The dragon looked off into the distance chuckling. "The King was so shocked that he not only quieted down but just sat down and stared at the filly in shock. He was the great Dragon King, he had slayed armies and ruled for over a five hundred years and here was a filly who simply told him to shush like he was some unruly child. Eventually Celestia found them and the King found out that the filly was the one who had hatched the baby. That was the first time the King and Princess Twilight met and they had been good friends since." Pinkie giggled at the image and turned back to the landscape a small smile on her face. The two remained in a companionable silence for a while before she turning back to the dragon. "What did you dragons do when you found out?" She asked. The dragon chuckled. "At first we were enraged, no one treats a dragon like that. Especially our King. But then he made a decree. He deemed Twilight a friend to all dragon kind and that we were to give her the same respect that he would receive. Most listened but a few have refused and paid the price for there defiance. To find that she has passed... it shook many of us. She was strong, stronger than most dragons. Once this war is done we dragons will mourn her as if she were one of our own." The dragon sighed and returned to watching the land. After a while Pinkie leaned forward and squinted before picking up some binoculars. "They're here." She said as she walked over to the alarm and pulled. Almost instantly solders emerged from there base, both ponies and dragons stood side by side standing and waiting. "BRING OUT THE ARTILLERY!" Pinkie yelled and ponies and dragons brought out large, heavy cannons. Once they were loaded they immediately began to fire on the incoming swarm. Pinkie turned to the dragon. "I never did ask your name." She said. The dragon chuckled. "Obsidian, my name is Obsidian Shard." He said with a smile. "If we survive this, I'll try to throw you a party." Pinkie said a look of determination on her face. "I look forward to it. Just make sure it has some strong alcohol." Obsidian said. "After this, is over I think we're gonna need it." Pinkie said sadly. Chrysalis smirked. "Keep charging! Drain and slaughter every pony." She screamed as the swarm charged. Suddenly the artillery stopped as Pegasi and dragons rose up and flew toward the swarm. The dragons breath fire into the cluster decimating the changelings. Chrysalis growled. 'Why are there dragons?' She thought as one charged her. Chrysalis tucked into a dive aiming strait for it as she neared it she began to spin and when the two met she pierced through its scale. The dragon roared and tried to grab the queen but she dug deeper into it. The dragon began to flail and roar in pain as Chrysalis tunneled deep into its chest. When she reached the center she used her claws to rip through its lungs and then she pierced its heart. As the dragon began to fall she burst through its chest and watched as it plummeted to the ground. Chrysalis glided down to the surface and turned to see the swarm was breaking. "Land and began ground assault." She ordered. The swarm quickly followed the order and prepared to attack. However the moment they landed Unicorns began to fire upon them and Earth Ponies charged. At the head of the charge was a Pink Earth Pony and a black dragon. The pink ponies mane was strait and covered the left side of her face she wore light armor, really it was just a chest plate, however strapped across her chest and hanging at her belt were knives, hundreds of knives. Any changeling that came with in her rage was shredded into ribbons, this mare was Pinkamena Diane Pie. Beside her was a Dragon as black as obsidian. He wore tight fitting armor and a crimson cape identifying him as the dragons commander. He wielded two odd swords that arced with purple lightning. Any who were in his way were dispatched with swift efficiency and a single slash. The two commanders charged into the fray fighting with there solders as if they had done it for years. "For Twilight!" The dragon roared and the others roared and charged as well. Chrysalis snarled and charged the dragon her claws extended. "Repulsive reptile!" She screamed as her stick was parried by the dragon. "Why?!" She asked angrily. "We did nothing to you or your kind, why aid the Ponies." She demanded. "That is a story only for those worthy witch. Just know that Twilight was a friend to all dragons and you killing her was the biggest mistake you will ever make." The dragon growled angrily as they circled each other. Chrysalis growled. "Then I will erase your kind as well. Canterlot is mine and nothing will stop me from what is mine by right!" She screamed and charged the dragon. As the two clashed the dragon laughed. "The fact you would go this far and sacrifice even your own subjects proves you are unfit to rule even a mound of dung." He said as he deflected her strike. Chrysalis screamed and charged the dragon again only for a knife to plunge into her right eye. Chrysalis screamed in pain as a pink blur shot forward and slammed into the queen. Chrysalis skidded to a halt and groaned as Pinkie walked toward her and grabbed the knife. "An Eye for an Eye." She said as she ripped the knife and eye out. A sudden explosion caused the two commanders to turn and Chrysalis smirked. "I win." The queen said in a smug voice. Pinkie turned to the dragon. "Tell the troops to retreat. We've lost the city." The dragon nodded and roared. Dragons began to grab the Unicorns and Earth Ponies before spreading there wings and taking flight. Pinkie turned to the queen and smiled. "Enjoy." She said as Obsidian grabbed her and took off. Chrysalis smiled as she watched the ponies retreat. Slowly she climbed to he hooves and walked to the city. As she entered she sensed something was wrong. Chrysalis frowned as one of the changelings approached her. "My Queen there are no ponies here, it's as if they left and in a hurry." Chrysalis growled and grabbed the changeling. "Useless filth!" She screamed and blasted the changeling to dust. "I'm surrounded by imbeciles!" She said as she began to destroy the city. As she blasted another building to dust she noticed a pink envelope. She stormed over, picked it up and ripped it open. "Dear Chrysalis, by the time you are reading this you will realize we never planed to win but only to distract you while the city was fully evacuated. But I do have one more surprise for you. A parting gift, all I will say is BOOM." Chrysalis reread the note confused. "BOOM?" she asked before she heard it a ticking. Chrysalises eye widened, her wings extended and then there was nothing but white. Far off Pinkie lowered a pair of binoculars. In her other hand was a remote detonator. "That's right Bitch, BOOM." She said as she turned and walked back to the troops once she returned to them she turned to a messenger Pegasus. "Send a message to Appleloosa, Inform Commander Applejack and Commander Dash what happened here and to prepare. Chrysalis maybe injured but she is far from out and they're up next." The messenger nodded before spreading their wings and flying off. Time dilation for the Void: 499 years, 12 months, 30 days Twilight stood before Honesty and Deception. She wore tight fitting cloths that showed her well toned figure. "This is your final test Twilight, come at us as if you were to kill." Honesty said. Twilight nodded. "Begai-" Honesty was cut off as Twilight charged forward and punched him in the gut pushing him back. Honesty smiled and charged his skin hardening. Twilight stamped her hoof and a wall of stone rose and blocked his charged. Deception jumped over the wall and delivered and ax kick that Twilight stopped by grabbing his leg and throwing him into the wall and smashing him through it and into Honesty. Twilight charged toward the two Elements as they rose and prepared. Honesty slammed his palm into the ground releasing a shock wave that Twilight jumped over while Deception tore the ground up and created a spike trap that Twilight landed in releasing a plume of dust. Honesty and Deception watched for a moment before Twilight tore out of the dust in the form of still way. she jumped and slammed into the ground creating a small earthquake that she used to grab Honesty and break over her knee and then through over her shoulder summoning a boulder and slamming it into him. Twilight turned and dodged a strike from Deception at the last moment before going on the defensive dodging and deflecting strikes so fast they caught fire. Twilight smiled before back flipping and throwing a handful of sand at Deceptions face causing him to cough. She then charged and knocked his legs out from under him and slipping behind to place him a head lock. Deception changed his momentum and flipped over her only to for a spike trap to shoot out of the ground and priced through his chest. "And with that you win." Honesty said as he pushed the boulder off himself. Deception smiled as he turned to sand and reformed a few feet away. "Well done Twilight, you have mastered all our teachings and lessons." "Thank you, Masters." Twilight bowed. Honesty laughed. "No more of that, with passing that trial you have now out stripped us, we speak as equals." Deception smiled. "Tomorrow we will be sending you to train with Generosity and Greed. While we taught you how to manipulate the earth and stone they will teach you how to manipulate the gems and metals of the world." Deception placed an arm around Twilight and pulled her into a side long hug. "Tonight however we will be celebrating till midnight!" He exclaimed happily. Honesty chuckled and raised a bottle of wine. "Indeed, come Twilight, Let us drink and feast till can no more." Honesty said with a smile. Twilight shook her head. "I swear you're trying turn me into an alcoholic." she chuckled as she took the bottle and popped the cork and took a swig. > Chapter 3 - The Appleloosa Showdown > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Authors note: Holly shit! This story hasn't even been up for a week and has hit the top of the popular column twice. I don't know what to say but thank you. Twilight grumbled as she walked through the crystal caves that were the domain of Generosity and Greed. From what Honesty and Deception had explained Generosity and Greed had the abilities to tap in to the precious metals of the earth and as such could summon anything from crystals to metals such as lead or gold, they had also explained that every Element had their own domain that reflected what they controlled. That morning they had walked her to a snowy plain and told her to find the crystal caves and that at the heart of the caves was were Generosity and Greed were. What they hadn't told her was that the Crystal Caves were a labyrinth or that her connection to the earth would be severed. Ever sense she had tapped into her abilities of the earth she had been able to sense everything around her, as long as it was attached to the earth she could since it. But ever sense she had entered the caves that ability had been cut making her feel vulnerable. Suddenly black crystal shot from the ground forcing Twilight to dodge and evade the spikes that shot at her. A smoky figure appeared and charged her. Twilight dodged and tried returned the attack but instead of hitting the figure her fist went right through it. Twilight quickly flipped backwards before observing the figure more closely. It held a vague human shape and the only feature it had was its green eyes that gave off a purple vapor. Twilight stared puzzled at the figure as it seemed vary familiar, she just... couldn't place it. The figure laughed and shot forward. Twilight evaded its strikes suddenly extremely grateful for Honesty and Deceptions training. A sound from behind her was her only warning she received before some form of liquid silvery substance shot past her before coming back and striking her in the chest. Twilight used the momentum to flip back and see who attacked her. It was a female that appeared to be made of pure crystal around her orbs of the metallic substance floated. The shadow figure approached her as crystals began to levitate around him before shooting at her. Twilight closed her eyes and waited for the hit but it never came. Slowly she opened her eyes to see the Crystals had barely missed her and that the figures had changed. The shadow figure now stood wearing ancient silver armor and a red cape while the Crystal women now wore the robes of the an assassin. Twilight quickly knelt down. "Greetings Generosity, Greed. I have come to train." She said. "Hello dear, it is good to see you again." Generosity said. "Tell me Twilight, why didn't you use you magic?" Greed asked. Twilight looked at him in confusion. "My... magic?" She asked before her eyes widened. "Oh, I completely forgot about it." She said with a embarrassed chuckle. "I haven't flown or used magic in five hundred years." Greed sighed. "We will be changing that." Greed said. "No apprentice of mine will only use a third of her arsenal." Generosity nodded. "You have much to learn." She said as she approached her. "Have a seat and we will began your explaining what you will learn." "First we will explain the skills and power you will be learning." Greed said. "To start with, as you saw there are two ways to use this power. The first is my way, I have the ability to control crystals and anything with a crystal like structure. This ability allows me to not only call upon crystals but also to fashion them into anything from weapons to armor with only my will. I can even create crystals from nothing when I add magic in to the mix. This is the ancient power of the Crystal Ponies." He explained. Greed summoned several crystals and slowly they took the from of wings. "Now while I don't have wings I can do this. You will be able to do it as well but for you the crystals will orbit around your wings." Generosity cleared her throat. "My power gives me full control of all metals. Like my husband I can control anything with a metal like structure, fashion it into anything from weapons to armor with only my will, and create metal from nothing when I add magic in to the mix. However I have an additional ability, I can exert a small amount of control on the magnetic fields of any metal. This is how I control most of the metals I use." "I think I understand." Twilight said slowly. "You will in time." Generosity said comfortingly. "Do not worry Twilight, by the time you leave here you will be a true master of all types of Earth Pony magic." Greed promised. "Their is one thing you should know however Twilight, unlike the Powers of Earth which require physical strength and will this power, the Powers of Ore, is controlled solely by the users strength of will. This means that there will be a large amount of meditation and more spiritual lessons than physical lessons. Generosity said. "As a result we have set aside three hours for you to practice what you have learned and so you might stay in shape." "With all this explained it's time we go to where you will be training." Generosity said. The three walked deeper in to the cave once they reached the center Twilight found herself in a large chamber that was open to the sky. Off to the left was a meditation garden and to the right was a small living space and an earthen field for her to train, at the center of the chamber was a crystal pit for sparing. The group walked over to the meditation garden and sat down. "Your training begins now." Greed said. Time dilation for Equus: 4 months, 22 days Chrysalis sat examining a map of equestria. Baltamare and Fillydelphia had recently fallen to her swarm unfortunately that left the more troubling areas where the remaining Elements were stationed. After the battle of Dodge City Chrysalis had become weary of engaging them. She slowly raised her hand to were her right eye had once been feeling the patch that covered the socket, her tattered wings buzzing in agitation as she thought of the Pink one. What she had done to Twilight should have broken them instead it only strengthened them. If she could she would have avoided them till she had more troops but that unfortunately was no longer an option. At this point she had no choice, Fluttershy had been sighted in the Everfree Forest gathering aid from the animals there and she didn't want to risk bringing her army through that death trap leaving her only two choices. Manehattan or Appleloosa, she didn't have the forces to take both at the moment. Chrysalis growled. Rarity had been spotted at the battle for both Baltamare and Fillydelphia and had retreated to Manehattan with hundreds of solders however Appleloosa was only guarded by Applejack. Earlier in the conflict Rainbow Dash had been there as well but both she and the Pegasus troops under her command had been recalled to Cloudsdale to defend it a week ago. Chrysalis smiled, Appleloosa would be weakened significantly from the loss of troops. They were weak and while Rarity had a large force that she couldn't hope to break she could break Appleloosas defense. The queen rose from the chair and walked out of the house she had been using and spread he wings. "The enemy is weak! We go to Appleloosa to destroy them." She commanded as she rose into the air her swarm following behind her. Applejack sat in the sherifs office. On the desk was her badge and a bottle of cider. In her hand was a picture taken shortly after Twilight had accended. Applejack grabbed the bottle and took a long drink. It helped a little, not much but at least it took the pain away for a while. Suddenly Braeburn burst through the door. "We got trouble cuz." He said his voice grim. Applejack eyed him. "Changelings?" She asked. Braeburn nodded. Applejack smiled. "Bout damn time." She said as she garbed the badge and walked over to the door grabbing her shotgun as she stepped past Braeburn and exited the office. Braeburn shuddered. The only time he had seen a smile like that was when that mad pony had come to town, to see it on his cousin was troubling. With in the hour all the houses were boarded up and the troop were ready. They stood alert and watched as the black cloud drew closer. The minute the first wave landed they was hit with a wall of lead. "Rot in Tartarus ya snakes!" Applejack yelled as they charged the barricades. The other Earth Ponies continued to fire popping up long enough to fire at the coming swarm. As the swarm drew closer Applejack smiled and pulled out a gun and fired it. The flare rose high in to the air and far in the distance a Buffalo saw it. The buffalo turned and ran to the camp and approached the chief. "The signal has been sent." Chief Thunderhooves nodded. "Gather our warriors the time to aid our pony friends has come." He said determination in his voice. In but a few minutes the warriors waved farewell to their families and charged from the camp Chief Thunderhooves at the head. The time for peace had ended now was time for war. Meanwhile the Changelings had broken through the barricades and the defenders had fallen back to the town gunshots rang from the housed as the faces of the defenders was lit only by the flash of their guns. Only one defender remained out side, two pistols in her hands and a shotgun strapped to her back she fired at the changeling each bullet finding its mark in their brain. Applejack stood defiant refusing to give them even a little ground. A changeling charged her and she rose her pistol to fire only for her to click empty. Applejack frowned and turned delivering a kick to the changeling as she holstered her pistols and drew her shot gun. "Not fast enough, not by a damn sight." She said as she pulled the trigger and blasted the downed bug. Suddenly the swarm parted and Chrysalis walked forward, Applejack turned to face her. "So Pinkies surprise didn't kill ya? Good I wanted by shot at ya." She said with a smile she them flip cocked the shotgun and fired at the changeling queen forcing her to dodge. The queen charged her horn and fired. Applejack ducked behind a barrel before coming up and firing once again. The queen cried out and jumped behind a pile of hay and examined her leg. Chrysalis stared in shock, with only one blast of the farmers weapon half of her leg was ripped off. Suddenly she froze and turned to the swarm. Behind them a herd of Buffalo warriors charged toward them smashing any changeling in their path and at the head was their chief, Chief Thunderhooves. "You really think that we would simply role over and let you slaughter us?" Applejack asked as she walked out from behind the barrel. "Well you got another thing head'n for ya." Chrysalis snarled and fired a blast at the farmer who dodged the blast. The defenders were charging out of there homes firing on the swarm which had fallen in to disarray. The apple farmer charged the injured queen delivering a kick to her midsection and knocking her through a wall. Chrysalis coughed up blood and slowly looked up only to come face to face with the barrel of the farmers shot gun. "Gotcha." Applejack said before a changeling drove a its fist through her chest. Applejack gasped and turned blasting the changelings head off and ripping the arm off in the process. She then turned back to the queen only to be slammed into the wall and the broken off arm driven deeper into her. Applejack cried out as the queen rose and approached her. "I'm going to enjoy tearing you apart piece by piece." Chrysalis hissed before the whole front of the house they were in exploded and Chief Thunderhooves charged in punching Chrysalis away from Applejack and driving a spear into her abdomen. Chief Thunderhooves grabbed Applejack and turned running out. "Fall back to the train!" He yelled. The defenders turned and began a fighting retreat for the station. Chief Thunderhooves grabbed one of his warriors. "Return to the camp and tell them to head for Canterlot." He said The buffalo nodded and ran for the camp smashing changelings as he went. Chief Thunderhooves turned and boarded the train with applejack passed out in his arms. As soon as he boarded he grabbed a pony. "Get your doctors, Applejack has been injured." The pony nodded and the train began to pull away. As it did Chief Thunderhooves saw Braeburn jump off the train. The chief ran to the windows. "Braeburn what are you doing!" He yelled. The stallion turned to him. "I ain't let'n that bug get even one scrap of Equestrian land and I ain't let'n her take our homes." He said before turning to the town and running for it. Braeburn ran strait for the general store and grabbed a crate and hurrying out the back. He then walked to each house and placed the charges before rigging them to the remote. Once this was done he calmly walked to the center of town. The changelings approached him hissing but didn't attack, slowly the queen walked forward till she was right in front of him. "You must be a fool to think you would leave alive." The queen hissed angrily. "I don't plan on it." He said as he raised the detonator and pressed the button. He then looked the queen strait in the eye. "This is for Twilight." He said and released. Chrysalises eyes widened as the world exploded. Chief Thunderhooves watched the fireball that was once the town debris rained down. A piece of paper slowly floated down caught in the trains wake. The chief reached out and grabbed. It was a picture of six smiling mares and a baby dragon, in the cornr the word forever was written. Time dilation for the Void: 999 years, 12 months, 30 days Twilight sat in deep meditation around her floated six spheres. Three were crystal, an obsidian shard, a diamond and a Fire Ruby. The other three were metallic, liquid Silver, a steel ball and wrought iron. Suddenly a black crystal shot from the ground and slammed into Twilight. Twilight merely looked in the direction of the attack not a scratch on her. She rose and walked toward the center of the room were Generosity and Greed stood. The three said nothing simply watched each other before greed charged his shadows form appearing as Twilight dodged him and a spike of the iron appeared and fired at him. it struck his form causing him to stagger back. Generosity began to fire balls of silver at Twilight. Twilight dodged them before snapping her fingers and thin wires appeared and cut the remaining ones to pieces or deflected the shots. Greed charged again only this time summoning several crystal blades. Twilight summoned several steel and crystal blades blocking and parrying them, her wings extended and tiny iron needles fired from them striking Greed and making him turn corporal. Twilight then encased him in the black crystal before returning her attention to Generosity. Twilight was barely able to dodge the strikes from Generosity as she appears closer and twilight summoned thousands of crystals forming rings around herself that she used to defect Generosities strikes. Twilight flipped backward using her wings to gain more distance and then fired all the shards at her opponent at once. Generosity created a shield blocking the barrage. However she was unable to see as Twilight charged forward her body shifting into a stone and obsidian mix with her fist coated in iron. Twilight smashed into the shield and shattered it before using her magnetism to launch Generosity into a wall ending the fight. "You have done well my student." Generosity said as she rose slowly and shook her head. "Indeed." Greed said with a smile as he shatter the crystals surrounding him. "Had we been living, you would have defeated and slain us." "And with that you have passed your final exam. Congratulations Twilight, we have nothing left to teach you." Generosity praised. "Thank you, both of you, for all you have helped me with." Twilight said and bowed. "It was nothing dear." Generosity said proudly. "Now rest well tonight, tomorrow you go to meet the Emotion Twins, Laughter and Sorrow." Greed said "What do they control?" Twilight asked. "They are reality warpers and as such wield chaos and order magic, it's extremely powerful and can't actually be controlled." Generosity said on thought. Greed snorted. "A better way to put it is they can use the power of Chaos and Order but it makes them... unpredictable." Generosity nodded. "Indeed, anyway you had best rest Twilight, you have a big day ahead of you and you will need to be well rested for those two." Generosity said. Twilight nodded. "I will finish my meditation and then retire then." She said as she turned to the garden only to find it destroyed, greed began to slowly back away. Twilight's eye twitched as she turned to him making him freeze in fear. "Greed." She growled and hurled a crystal at him. Greed yelped and ran, Twilight chasing after him. "Come back her you no good fucker!" She screamed after him. Generosity sighed. > Chapter 4 - The Forces of Chaos > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Authors Note: So after much consideration and after tallying up your votes I will be keeping it anthro. Also please be aware I am some what distracted by another story I am working on so this chapter will not be as long. I'm honestly not satisfied with how it turned out either way and I will come back to edit it one day. This chapter was really frustrating to write, if you have any ideas for how to improve it them please let me know in the comments. Anyway I'm done rambling and I hope you enjoy. Twilight growled as the dodged another floating sink. When Generosity and Greed had warned her to mind the sinks Twilight had been confused, they could have told her they exploded. Twilight dodged again and the sink impacted the ground releasing a fireball. "The next time I see a sink I'm gonna smash it befo-" Twilight froze as she stared at a toilet with dog legs and a tongue made of toilet water. Somehow she knew it was staring at her and not in a good way. The dog charged and Twilight summoned several crystal shards and fired them at the toilet. The shards bounced off the porcelain appliance and Twilight's eyes widened before she turned and ran. "FFFFFFFUUUUUUCCCCCKKKKKK MEEEEE!" She screamed as she ran. Several hours later Laughter and Sorrow slowly approached a large toilet with dog legs, underneath it a vary angry alicorn screamed obscenities. The toilet dog simply ignored her content to use her as a pillow. "When I get out from under you I will smash you to pieces!" Twilight screamed as she hit the large toilet. Suddenly the toilet caught sight of the brothers and bound over to them only to be crushed by an enraged alicorn half way there. The toilet shattered at the alicorn meteor hit it. "Well you certainly have a temper." Laughter grumbled. "You try being stuck under a toilet for an hour!" Twilight yelled as she turned to him angrily. Laughter burst out laughing as Sorrow sighed. "So uncivilized." He said sadly. "Welcome to the chaos realm Twilight Sparkle." "Mind if I call you purple butt" Laughter asked as he rested an arm around Twilight and leaned on her. Twilight growled and grabbed Laughter and flipped him over her shoulder. Right before Laughter hit the ground he disappeared and them walked out from behind his brother. "Well with the pleasantries out of the way, greetings I'm Pandemonium but you know me as Laughter." He said and waved his hand. Pandemonium wore a simple pair of jeans and a light t-shirt "I am Anarchy but you may call me Sorrow." The other man said. Anarchy wore a full uniform of ancient Romane Legionary armor. "Right so as you know we will be teaching you the meaning of our power and other stuff." Laughter said with a smile. "Like for instance I will be teaching you how to be unpredictable and adaptable. From what We've heard you like everything orderly and listed set to a time scheduled. So our turn with you was bumped up to break those habits." Sorrow nodded. "While my brother does this I will be teaching you tact, subtlety, as well as how to act in high society places. You will be learning everything from social standing to the political game. In short my task is to insure that you have what you need to be a ruler when you return." Twilight tilted her head. "So I'm learning chaos magic from laughter and order magic from sorrow. Why do am I not surprised by this." She sighed and face palmed. Time dilation for Equus: 4 months, 08 days Total duration for Changeling War: 9 months, 13 days Fluttershy lay in her cottage beside her Discord paced while she glared at him. "Discord I have to be out there. she growled at she tried to rise only for Discord to snap his fingers and freeze her. "Fluttershy, your in your second term, you can't fight." He said as he leveled his gaze with her. "I'm not letting the baby get hurt. Besides it will take more than they have to stop me." Discord said as he turned to the door. "Discord if you die I will go to wherever your soul goes and drag you back myself!" Fluttershy screamed and he walked out and closed the door. After a moment Fluttershy burst into tears. "Please be safe, I can't raise them without you." Discord sighed as he slowly walked out the door and down the path. As he reached the town he sighed and looked up to the sky. "Were ever you are Twilight know that I will protect her. Funny how the happiest day of my and Flutters life was the same day you had to go. If this was some punishment for what I did in the past then I would have accepted it but this was just to unfair." A bird quickly flew down and landed on Discord shoulder tweeting quickly. Discord sighed and nodded. "Thank you." He said as the bird flew off its message delivered. Chrysalis was indeed still alive. Discord had heard about what had happened in Appleloosa. He had hoped it was simply him being paranoid but in the end he had been right. Chrysalis' death had been a setup, damn shapeshifters. Discord turned to see the swarm approaching and at its head was the bug queen herself. As the swarm descended outside of Ponyville Discord snapped his fingers and appeared in front of them. "Long time no see Spirit of Chaos." Chrysalis said as she stroled over to him. "What do you want." Discord asked. "Rude and here I am the one who permanently broke the Elements. I figured you would be bouncing for joy." Chrysalis said with a smile. "Come on Discord, it has been over a half a year. I figured you would have done something by now but instead you continue to play the act." Discord frowned. "So that's what you thing this is, an act?" Discord began to chuckle but it slowly devolved into a mad laugh. "Oh, my dear you have it all wrong. I genuinely care for the ponies. As for the Elements, call them what you will but in the end I saw them as friends. I mean, Twilight was more of a rival but still I would never have done this." Discord glared at the queen. "When you have to see the ones yo care about suffer, to see the mare you love nearly kill herself, it makes a man think. There are few powers I can't change. Reality is my play thing, time an ocean that I sail freely and space is putty in my hands but even with all my power I can not heal their pain. Pain that you have brought to them." Discords glared at the queen his eyes full of hate. I can't stop you but I can slow you down." Discord snapped his fingers and a large fish bowl appears covering the town. "May I make a suggestion? Run." He said as he summoned a baseball and threw it. As soon as the baseball left his hand it caught fire and slammed into a changeling before exploding. Chrysalis snarled as she drew a sword and charged the Draconequus. He quickly drew a sword fish and as she thrust her blade he parried it. "Tell me did you sacrifice one of your changelings to deceive poor Braeburn?" he asked a she casually parried the queens strikes. "Of course I'm not going to confront those beneath me." Chrysalis laughed. "Didn't really fool anyone you know. We hoped that it got you but oh well." Discord said as he yawned covering his mouth with a paw. "A shame you fell, Chrysalis; had you followed the path of Celestia, or even Luna, we might have once been friends." "I remember a time when you sided with me. Remember the Dark Empire?" The queen asked as she backed away from him. "You, Sombra, Tirek, the Nightmare Forces, the Pony of Shadows, Grogar the Ram, the Changelings, We stood for something!" She yelled yelled as she charged again. Discord growled and summoned several cotton candy clouds that shot forward and exploded in the queen's face throwing her back. "That was long ago, the dark Empire fell from our own arrogance. While you all tried to continue I simply moved on and became a solo act, had a good gig till the sisters came and ruined it. But times have changed, now I have someone I love and she loves me. Plus I have to grow up anyway, I got a kid on the way and I plan to do right by them." Discord snapped his fingers and storm clouds gathered above them unleashing lightning that rained down attempting to strike the queen. As Chrysalis dodged the bolts Discord teleported around of her delivering punches and kicks constantly knocking her off. Chrysalis growled as a portal opened under her and she jumped in appearing several feet away. "This isn't over Discord. I will have Canterlot and when I take it all of Equestria will bow to me! I will drain the ponies of their love and leave their withered husks to rot in a pile!" She screamed as she took to the air and pulled away from the town. Discord watched them leave with a frown. "I hope you fail Chrysalis, not because I'm against you but because I fear what will happen if you get that close to success. There are powerful forces at play and I fear that if you continue a great force will be unleashed upon this world though whetherr they are friend or foe even I can't say. Time dilation for the Void: 1499 years, 12 months, 30 days Twilight groaned as she awoke and looked around before snapping her fingers and a calendar appeared. "Why of all the days they let me sleep in today, it's my final exam today." She growled as she rose and snapped her fingers. Immediately her clothes appeared on her and she walked to the door a toothbrush appeared and began to automatically brush her teeth. As she exited the door the floor dropped out from under her and she began to fall. Twilight sighed and snapped her fingers when she hit the floor it bounced her back up and she walked into the kitchen to find sorrow and Laughter sitting at the table. Laughter staring at a waffle. "All these squares make a circle, all these squares make a circle, all these squares make a circle..." He muttered as Twilight simply stared at him. "Ok, I'll bite what's wrong with him?" Twilight asked as she stared concerned at Laughter. Sorrow sighed. "Oh don't mind him, he just got done dropping a gallon of LSD." "Oh- WAIT A GALLON!" Twilight exclaimed in shock and turned to stare at Sorrow. "A literal gallon, from a milk jug. I don't even know were he got it. He hasn't left the kitchen." Sorrow explained as he examined his brother. "Sorrow I need you to tell me I can leave the kitchen!" Laughter exclaimed as he looked at Sorrow. "Laughter you can leave the kitch-" BITCH DON'T TELL ME WHAT TO DO!" Laughter yelled before returning to stair at the waffle. "All these squares make a circle, all these squares make a circle, all these squares make a circle..." Sorrow sighed. "SO, today we-I'll be sending you to your next mentors." "Wait aren't you going to test me?" Twilight asked confused. Sorrow chuckled. "You mastered order from me and you have to master chaos to freely move around this place so there's no need to test you. Actually to be more specific, this whole place is the test. The fact you survived means you passed. I'm so proud of you. You mastered something that not even we, the elemental embodiments, can. If anyone is worthy of the title if Alicorn of Harmony it is you, I've never had a better student." "So who are my next mentors?" she asked. "They are Kindness and cruelty." He said as he approached Twilight. Twilight smiled and hugged Sorrow. "Bye Sorrow, I'll miss you." Twilight slowly let go of him and moved to the door. She took a deep breath before opening it and walking out. > Chapter 5 - The Battle of the Sky > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight stood at the boarder between the Chaos realm and the realm of Fire. During her time with Laughter and Sorrow she had learned many things about. The first she learned was that the void was in a sense what many saw as Tartarus. The void was divided into six realms that each of the Elements controlled. Honesty and Deception controlled the Realm of Earth, an endless desert that was covered in barren sand and stone mountains. Generosity and Greed controlled the Realm of Crystal, a world of ice and snow that underneath was a labyrinth that was made of crystal. After navigating the maze one would enter the Realm of Chaos which was controlled by Laughter and Sorrow. Now she was entering the the realm controlled by Kindness and Cruelty, the Realm of Fire. The Realm of Fire was a realm where fire engulfed everything, the land was volcanic and the rivers were that of lava. Twilight took a deep breath and stepped into the realm, the moment she the air boiled and she was blasted with heat. The smell of sulfur and smoke filled her nose and her throat and lungs burned. Twilight coughed and covered her face as she began to move forward. As she walked she felt the heat of the fire through here shoes. Twilight snapped her fingers and he clothes quickly changed. She now wore a light sleeveless shirt that was cut at her waist, light skirt and heavy boots that went to her knee, around her mouth and nose was a oxygen mask and on her back was a tank. Twilight sighed at the relief she had given herself. "Shame you have to wear that to survive in this place." A harsh voice said. Twilight quickly turned to see a figure made of the lava. The figure wore feminine armor though it covered vary little and appeared to be extremely erotic. "Give her some time Cruelty." A motherly voice said as a figure made of light descended from the sky. She wore light female warrior armor that was slime and covering. Twilight bowed. "Forgive me if I have offended Cruelty, I have come to train under you and Kindness." Twilight said. Kindness nodded. "The power I and my sister wield are great but the greater the power the more dangerous it is." "We control Fire and Light Twilight." Cruelty said calmly before turning to gaze at Twilight. "Tell me what do you see in fire?" She asked. "Twilight thought for a moment. "I don't know." She replied. "Dragons see fire as power and most other races especially Pony fear it as a destroyer." Cruelty face palmed. "Dear me, that's what is seen in Fire? Power and destruction? What kind of Power? The one to dominate others or the one to submit your claim over the power of your flames? What kind of Destruction? Flames that dancing wildly, uncontrollable and all consuming?" Kindness sighed. "Fire and Light are not something one can wield without knowing what they symbolizes for wielders like us. Fire is not good nor evil and most certainly not power. It is Balance, balance between order and chaos, civilization and devastation. When do you think culture, art, sovereignty and foolish arguments comes from, Twilight?" She asked "Does it start when language is spoken? When nations are founded? When divines are born? No, it is when the mortal species and fire comes to an agreement." Kindness said. "The agreement was as such, mortals can wield the fire's flames to build their civilizations and form their culture around its light. In return, Fire will be respected as the maker of their civilization and when the time is right, be its destroyer" Cruelty said. "Its destroyer?" Twilight asked confused. "Fire was one of the major elements that created your world, by destroying the First Realm of this world" Cruelty explained "First Realm? What was the First Realm?" Twilight asked. Kindness sighed. "The best description of what the First Realm was is that of a barren world. No life, no color and no soul. Then we came. The four keepers of the earth, Honesty, Deception, Generosity and Greed broke the ground apart and remade it, Laughter and Sorrow used their power to heal the soil while Magic and Necromancy supporting those healing waves. It was then that my sister and I used fire to burn the dead lands to ensure new life can grow from the ashes of the dead. Fire did not help the mortal races, it just set the stage for their growth. Fire sees both you and civilization as a creation of its creation." "So why does it help us keep us safe and why does it let you command it?" Twilight asked as her confusion deepened. "Just because fire doesn't care for your survival, doesn't mean it wants you gone." Cruelty replied with a smile. "You must respect its part in the making of your world and in return, it doesn't outright destroy you with natural means. Understand your role and if you are worthy, it will allow you to use its power for what you desire. Your lives are not eternal neither are your civilizations, but it will help you if you respect it. Fire is not fair but not cruel, it's Balance. Balance yourself and not be driven in one direction but all direction and only then will Fire finds you worthy of wielding its power" "So Twilight, Fire is not power or simply destruction nor shall it ever be. It is Balance, balance between order and chaos, civilization and devastation. Remember that, respect the fire and find your balance and in no time, you'll be able to wield its flame." Twilight nodded. "I understand." She said calmly. "Now, our power is divided up into two groups." Kindness said with a smile. "The first is Cruelties." "I use my power in combat, it must be controlled but also given freedom." Cruelty said. "The other is mine, I use mine to heal and nurture like that of the sun." Kindness said. "These two paths are called the paths of the Divine Flame and Hell Fire." "You will be learning from me first." Cruelty said with a smile. "However, if your to learn the power we have your going to need to remove your boots and that mask." Twilight hesitated for a moment before nodding and removing it. "Now we begin." Cruelty said. Time dilation for Equus: 4 months, 08 days Total duration for Changeling War: 1 year 1 months, 27 days Rainbow Dash stood watch at the gates of Cloudsdale a ruffling of wings drew her from watching the sky to a Griffon who was approaching. Rainbow snapped into a salute as she saw it was King Raven Claw who was approaching her. "Your Majesty." She said. "Oh, please Commander you don't have to salute." King Raven Claw said as he waved her off. As the king landed Rainbow returned to watching the sky, however the King examined the armor she wore and weapon she held. The armors design was ancient covering her well from head to hoof. It was a dull gray with gold trilling and a blue lightning bolt at its chest. At her side hung an ancient sword that was a sky blue. "If I'm not mistaken that is the sword and armor of Commander Hurricane Dash, the great leader of the Pegasus Empire Romane Legion. It was forged from Skysteel." Rainbow nodded with out turning to the King. "It's traditional that it's passed down to the next in line for the right to the position. Unlike in most militaries, the tittle of Commander is placed only on those who prove their right to be commander. My family has held the tittle since Hurricane earned it. When my father passed away it was given to me." Rainbow sighed before continuing. "I was raised from birth to be the commander of the Pegasus military but when the time came I-I couldn't do it." Rainbow looked out to Ponyville as a tear began to fall from her eyes. "I flew as fast as I could determined to abandon my families responsibility. I ended up in Ponyville where I became the head of a weather patrol. I played the simple but brash Pegasus hoping to become a nobody. I idolized the Wonderbolts so I had an excuse for my actions and want to be fast. But when Twilight died I..." Rainbow sighed. "You returned and chalanged for the tittle of Commander." The King said as he looked out to the small town. "You returned to claim your title and your by right but why?" The king asked. Rainbow sighed. "I was placed in charge of the weather for the thousandth Summer Sun Celebration, that's where I met Twilight. Then I became the Element of Loyalty and every day was a adventure. Twilight was amazing, leading us, helping us, I mean ya she stumbled a bit but in the end she never let us down. When she died I-I almost tried to join her, I wanted to join her. I had failed, as a friend, as someone who should have been there and as the Element of Loyalty. At least so I thought, I felt that this was my fault." "Rainbow it's not your fault." King Raven Claw said. Rainbow acted as if she hadn't even heard the king as she continued. "As the Element of Loyalty I am meant to stand and face my duty but instead when the responsibilities were to great I ran. I ran when I should have taken my place as Commander, I ran so many times as a Element and as a supposed friend. I felt that this was my punishment for abandoning my Element and my duty." The King stared at the Pegasus in shock. "I returned because I can't run anymore. I returned to take my place as a reminder of who I can never be again, a coward." Suddenly a green beam of energy shot past them and exploded behind them. Rainbow growled and drew a flare gun fired, a bright red ball flew from the gun alerting the guards. As the flare fired every Pegasus looked up before running into their homes, Armor was quickly equipped and weapons drawn. Despite the peace of Equestria, Cloudsdale had kept to tradition meaning most that lived in the city were trained in combat. As a result in a matter of minutes Thousands of Pegasus were armed and ready for combat and at the battlements of Cloudsdale. Griffons quickly appeared as well bolstering the already significant force that was there. Rainbow rose into the air and turned to the troops, her armor shining in the light of the sun. "Pegasus, Griffons, Today we fight not just for the princesses or our homes, today we fight for all those who have fallen in this war. We fight for the fallen! These Changelings think we will just stand aside and let them claim our land,they think of us as cattle to be slaughtered and eaten not even given a second thought. Let's show then the Might of the Pegasus!" As she finished she drew her sword and the army roared and charged the changelings, at the lead flew Commander Rainbow Dash and King Raven Claw. Chrysalis flew toward the floating clouds. "Once we are there don't fire. We will take them by surprise." Chrysalis said. They swarm flew nearer and nearer, Chrysalis smiled. 'Finally something is going right.' She thought before a powerful beam fired and exploded. Chrysalis stopped and turned to the swarm. "Who fired that." She growled. Slowly a changeling was pushed to the front and the queen glared at him. "So it was you?" She asked as she glared at the ling. The ling began to tremble in fear as Chrysalis smiled and charged her horn. Several others looked on in terror as she unleashed her magic and several hundred were eviscerated. "You will do as I tell you what to and if you don't fallow my instructions to the letter then I will KILL YOU IS THAT CLEAR?" She roared in anger. The swarm shuddered in fear. Chrysalis turned back to the city to see an army charging at the lead was the Element of Loyalty and the King of the Griffons. She growled and turned to the swarm. "Well, Go kill them!" She screamed and the swarm charged fear of her wrath driving them to obey. Chrysalis then turned back to the charging army and launched forward and drew her sword. King Raven dodged the Changeling Queen before drawing his sword. The Queen flew at him again and there blades clashed sparks flying of them. "Why Chrysalis, why attack, why kill?" King Raven Claw asked. Chrysalis laughed. "Why else Power! The more Love I have the more power I have and once I absorb the power of Equestria I will be a goddess!" She roared as sh laughed maniacally. "You have gone mad." Raven Claw said as she pushed her back. Chrysalis hissed. "That's what the other Queens said, before I killed them." She smiled and charged the King again. "Now, DIE!" She screamed. As the Griffon King and Changeling Queen battled Rainbow flew among the swarm slicing any changeling who neared her. Around her thousands of Pegasus and griffons fought. "Watch the left!" She commanded drawing several warriors to the left side of the battle which had slowly turned against them as the left and right flanks began to push back the center opened up and changelings pored in. Rainbow growled and charged them hacking and slashing them as she fought her armor began to crackle with electricity as it drew in her Pegasus magic. Suddenly she thrust her arm out lightning arcing out and striking the swarm. The groups that were bunched together were wiped out as the lightning arced from Changeling to Changeling. The lightning arced off her wings which she used to strike any who neared. Those around her watched in awe as she slaughtered them charging into the frays of combat lightning surrounding her as if she were an angle of death. Suddenly a large group charged, Rainbow glared at them the lightning arcing from her eyes turning them white, she calmly spread her wings wide and with a single beat the wind shot forward and tore them apart, another beat and the winds began to change. They swirled around her as rain began to appear forming the familiar form of a hurricane. In the center floated Rainbow her eyes now glowing with the light of twin sun she reached out her hand toward the changelings and the wind lashed out as well, arrows forming from there forms arcing with lightning. With a single gestured from Rainbow they fired upon the changelings scattering them. "Why are you just floating there?" Rainbow asked her voice distorted as she turned to the troops. "Press the attack I will cover you." She ordered. The troop turned to the Changelings and smiled before charging. "For Twilight!" They roared. The sword flew from the Griffon Kings claw and plummeted to the earth below. "I enjoyed this griffon, but now you die." The queen smiled. "You know you're far to over confident." The King said as he grabbed the blade and smiled as he extended his talons and raked them across the Queens chest. "Third rule of combat, never underestimate your opponent!" He roared and ripped the blade out of the injured Queens hand before slashing at the Queens face. The tip of the talon caught the eye patch the Queen wore and the socket it protected. Chrysalis screamed as the talon dug deep into her face ripping the whole right side out. She then morphed her hands into blades and swung at the king who blocked the blade and slashed. Chrysalis blocked the strike and turned delivering a spin kick that connected with the Kings head dazing him. Chrysalis thrust her hand forward intent to kill the king by striking him through the heart but it was caught and she was thrown to the ground. As she landed a dead tree broke her fall while piercing her abdomen. She gasped in pain as she slowly rose. The King landed before her and grabbed her throat and pulled her to her feet before extending his talons. "What I do here I do for Twilight." He growled as he thrust his talons through her chest. Suddenly a Changeling slammed into him knocking him away from the gasping Queen. The Changeling picked her up and flew away the Queen in its arms. Several griffons quick landed and stood guard and Rainbow landed and approached the King. Are you alright Your Majesty?" She asked. The king slowly rose to his knees and growled before slamming his fist into the ground. "DAMN IT!" he roared an anger. "I almost had her." He growled. Rainbow knelt down and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Next time we will, Chrysalis is weakened. The only way for her to win is a direct attack on the capital." "Which means the next attack will be Canterlot." The king said as he rose to his feet with a smile. Rainbow nodded. "Celestia and Luna have ordered the remaining Elements as well as all field commanders and leaders back to defend the capital." "Then ready the vanguards, we leave for Canterlot within the hour." The king said. "well tear this bitch apart when she shows he face. Time dilation for the Void: 1999 years, 11 months, 30 days Total duration Equestrian time that Twilight has been in Void: 1 year 1 months, 27 days Twilight stood at the center of a volcano before her stood Cruelty and behind stood Kindness, as she was a healer she would not be participating in this battle. The two combatants watched each other before charging at the same moment. As they neared they coated their hands with magma and when their fists met an explosion surrounded them. The two shot up Twilight's mane and wings on fire, as she flew at Cruelty summoning small fire balls and launching them at her. Cruelty deflected them as lava solidified into a handle and fire exploded from it forming a blade, Cruelty charged and swung at Twilight who had summoned several blades of light and launched them at her. Cruelty dodged them and slashed the blade across Twilight's chest. Twilight growled and summoned a Halberd made of light and blocked the next strike as the slash began to heal. Twilight then flipped backwards and thrust her hand into the ground. Crimson flames erupted from the ground and launched at Cruelty searing her as several wolf like constructs leaped from the flames and charged the Lava beings. "Hell hounds." Cruelty growled as she engaged the beasts and Twilight began to create seven constructs and fire them at her. Cruelty caught the first one with her blade thinking it a fireball bit the blade as quickly absorbed by the black hole the ball left. "Impressive isn't it?" Twilight asked a smirk on her face. "Miniature suns that when they hit something they create a small black hole." Twilight then launched them at Cruelty who dodged them while also battling the Hounds. She then turned and charged Twilight who threw a fireball at her. Cruelty jumped over it and thrust her blade down only for it to dissolve around Twilight as she turned to Lava and melted into a puddle before leaping up and thrusting the Halberd into Cruelty's chest. Cruelty gasped and the blade fell from her hands. "Well done Twilight." She gasped as she fell to the ground unconscious. Twilight lay her out and placed her hands over the wound as a white light emitted from them. Slowly the wound sealed shut as Kindness approached. "You have done well my student." She said happily. "Tomorrow you will be leaving for the Realm of Magic. It is there you will learn under Magic and Necromancy. They will instruct you in the ancient ways and in magic long forgotten." "Thank you for your lessons Masters." Twilight said with a bow. "Rest well Twilight, tomorrow will be a long journey." Kindness said. > Chapter 6 - The Beginning of the End > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Authors Note: So I spent all night and today to finish this for you all. I am so exhausted. I have tomorrow off as well and then it will be work for who know how long. I may finish the last two chapters to night but if I do I will post them at a later date. Twilight walked through the empty plains of the Realm of Magic, unlike the other realms the Realm of Magic was a empty void of nonexistence. It was here that the two aspects of Knowledge resided. "So at last we meet." A figure said as he appeared in front of Twilight. He wore the star themed hat and cloak of Starswirl. "You come to learn, to gain power from the four paths of magic. But are you worthy?" Another figure asked as he approached. He wore the robes and armor of a necromancer. "I'm not sure if I'm worthy but I will do my best to learn what you will teach me." Twilight said as she bowed to the beings. "I am Mage, the Keeper of Light and Dark magic. Light magic comes naturally to all beings while dark magic is fueled by that of negative emotions." Starswirl said calmly. "I am Necro, the keeper of Necromancy and Blood Magic. Necromancy was once known as Biomancy due to the fact that it was specifically designed to work with the body. However it was deemed unnatural and against the flow of life, as such it was forbidden. Blood Magic is the ability to wield ones soul or the soul of others. It is considered a forbidden art." The Necromancer said calmly. "If you accept out teachings you will be labeled a monster, you will be despised and feared, is this the path you will take?" The mage asked Twilight nodded. "When I accepted this path I choose to learn all that you and the other elements would offer me I will not refuse simply because what I will be labeled. Knowledge is neither good or evil it simply is. The two nodded. "You are ready, know now that like with Laughter and Sorrow their will be no final test, you will either learn this or you won't." Mage said. "Let us begin." Necro said. Time dilation for Equus: 4 months, 08 days Total duration for Changeling War: 1 year 6 months, 4 days Celestia stood on the balcony watching Canterlot, at her side Luna stood a sad look on her face as she watched the many races gather. "It's almost time sister." She said sadly Celestia said nothing, she didn't move or act as if she heard Luna. Luna sighed. "Sister, you can't simply ignore this any more, you gathered them now you need to fight." "I didn't gather them Luna, Twilight did." Celestia said. "It was Twilight's death that united them all. Reports are coming in from across the country of races joining together and fighting. My ponies battle to avenge her all because I believed she and the other element bearers were safe. I let my guard down for one moment and I lose those I love." "you surely had at least some guards watching her?" Luna asked. Celestia shook her head. "I was an arrogant fool, forces that long ago you and I would have faced I sent children against while I sit in this palace and eat cake." Celestia chuckled as tears fell from her face. "I believed that Twilight was ready and perhaps she was, given time we would have seen." Celestia looked to the sky. "But that's time she will never have." Luna walked over and pulled her sister into a hug. "Twilight was and amazing person. She forged alliances and friendships that have stood even in death. Look around sister because of her all the races have united from the Dragons to the griffons. Twilight may be gone but she will be with us forever within our hearts and in the alliance she helped forge. I think she would be both humbled and proud to see what she accomplished in life to come to." The sisters sat together in silence only broken by Celestias crying however even that soon stopped as she fell asleep. The sound of hoof steps drew the lunar princesses attention to the doors where the the remainder of the main 6 as well as the commanders and leaders stood. Luna rose and approached them. "Thank you all for coming." "It was nothing Princess." Rarity said with a smile as she bowed. Rarity wore pristine white armor that covered her form completely, at the center of her breastplate a red fire ruby carved into a heart was embedded. "Well look at you." Applejack whistled. Applejack wore the dusty long coat, a red bandanna was tied around her neck and atop her head was her ever present stetson. At her side walked the chieftain of the buffalo, Chief Thunderhooves. The chief bowed to Luna before returning to support Applejack. "Darling, it is good to see you!" Rarity said with a smile as she walked over to Applejack and gave her a hug. Applejack winced at the hug. "Careful Rares I still ain't fully healed." Pinkie giggled as she walked in and saw Rarity. "You look silly." She said. The pink ponies mane had poofed up a bit since the Battle of Dodge City, she wore light armor, really it was just a chest plate. Strapped across her chest and hanging at her belt were hundreds of knives. Beside her was a Dragon as black as obsidian. He wore tight fitting armor and a crimson cape identifying him as the dragons commander, at his side two swords were sheathed. As he entered he turned and bowed to the Dragon Lord and turned standing beside him. The next to enter was Fluttershy and Discord. In her arms was a baby with a purple and whit mane. Fluttershy wore leather jacket with green armor. A green cloak with a hood was wrapped around her and on her back was a bow that seemed to be made of intertwining tree roots. "It is good to see you Fluttershy." Luna said as she approached the mare. Fluttershy smiled. "Hello Princess, how have you been?" She asked. Luna sighed. "I could be better. Who is the young one?" Luna asked. "This is Screwball." Fluttershy said with a smile. "Gotta say Shy you and Discord made one damn cute kid." Rainbow said as she entered the room. "Sorry I couldn't be there to see her sooner." "Oh, I'm sure you were busy Rainbow." Fluttershy said. "Indeed, busy summoning hurricanes and becoming lightning to slaughter changeling!" King Raven Claw laughed as he approached the group. "Heard some of the troops giving her the nickname Commander Blitz." The group laughed at the comment as Rainbow turned to others. "While on the subjects of nicknames I heard you got the name the White General as yours, How'd you do that Rarity?" She asked. Rarity shrugged. "I simply assisted in the defense of Baltimare and Fillydelphia. When the Changelings attacked General Stone Wall was killed and passed command of the operation to me despite the fact that I had no military training. I've simply done the best I can and kept the soldiers alive as best I can." "That's all it takes Rarity." Luna said with a smile. "Trust and friendship forged in battle is stronger than blood. You fought beside those men, laid your life on the line to defend them and in turn they will fight to the end for you." "If you all want to compare nicknames then Commander Pies will stand above you all!" The dragon said proudly. "She is known as the Phantom Blade do to the fact that in battle none see her blades move they are simply there." The group talked and reminisced till the time to set the sun came. As the sun fell the group bud fair well till the meeting the next day. The next day the group sat at a long table, around it sat not only the remaining main 6 but also all the leaders of the many races at the head Celestia and Luna stood discussing the coming battle. Location: Zecoras Hut - Everfree Forest Chrysalis smashed the door to the hut open and stepped through, behind her several changelings followed. "Find it." She hissed at them. The changelings jumped and ran around searching through everything. Finally one of then spited the case containing what they came here for it grabbed the box and ran over to the Queen. Chrysalis looked down and smiled. In the hands of the changeling was an open box containing an amulet with a red gem. Chrysalis reached for the artifact and carefully examined it. when she was satisfied she slowly placed it around her neck. The moment the amulet was secured her eyes changed to a deep crimson. Chrysalis laughed as power filled her. "This is what I needed." She hissed before turning to the changelings. "Gather the swarm, we strike Canterlot." Time dilation for the Void: 2499 years, 11 months, 30 days Total duration Equestrian time that Twilight has been in Void: 1 year 6 months, 4 days Deep with in the void Twilight sat in meditation. She had changed quiet a bit the past five hundred years. She now stood as tall as Celestia and her hair now appeared as if it were alive shifting through the colors of dusk and dawn as it floated in a ethereal breeze. her wings tips were now a deep purple that faded the higher it went. Twilight slowly opened her eyes and rose her body had matured and was well defined. She slowly began to walk her steps holding a natural grace to them that had been honed in the two millennia she had resided in the void. Slowly she approached Necro and Mage. When they turned to her she bowed. "Masters, it is time I leave and go for my final training, thank you for your lessons." She said. "You will be meeting Loyalty and Betrayal." Necro said. "I wish you luck." "Loyalty and betrayal are master warrior, I have no doubt that they will sharpen your senses and hone your skills to an even finer edge. I all honesty They were the leaders of us when we were alive, there skills rival that of all the other Elements combined." Mage said. "I wish you luck and skill." "Thank you master and farewell." Twilight said as she headed for the final realm of the Void, The Realm of Shadow. > Chapter 7 - The Fall of Canterlot - Part 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight calmly walked through the Realm of Shadow. Like all the other realms, the Realm of Shadow was unique in the terrain and seemed to be a separate world from the void. This realm consisted of an endless world of eternal night, the ground was littered with thousands of bio-luminescent plants and trees while the sky shone with thousands of stars. While there was no moon in the sky the stars provided plenty of light. As she walked she spotted a large temple like structure and turned to approach it, as she neared she saw that it was in fact a shrine. At the entrance stood two statues, on the right was one of Betrayal in his Berzerker armor a large broadsword clasped in his hands while on the left a statue of Loyalty in his knights armor a Katana was grasped in his hands. Twilight took a deep breath and stepped into the shrine. At the center Loyalty and Betrayal sat opposite to each other. Like when they first met the two were in meditation, Twilight approached and sat down joining them. After a time Twilight sensed movement and opened her eyes to see the two watching her. Twilight blushed and bowed her head. "Forgive the intrusion Masters, I was unsure when you would be done, I hope I haven't disturbed you." "No, it's quite alright Twilight." Loyalty said. "You did not disturb us." Betrayal said as he rose and walked around Twilight examining her. "I see you have completed your training under the other Elements you have become a fine warrior." He said proudly. "I have come to train under you masters." Twilight said calmly as she rose and bowed. "Unlike the other Elements where you learned from them both together you will be learning from us separately." Loyalty said. "I will be teaching you the finer points of sword work and battle, after that Betrayal will teach you." "What will I learn from Betrayal?" Twilight asked. "I will be teaching you the Path of the Betrayer." Betrayal replied. "Do you know what a Berserker is Twilight?" "A Berserker is a type of warrior class." Twilight answered. "According to legends Berserker were objects of fear not only to their enemies but they say they could also be a danger to their allies as well. They fought as if they were animals but the reason they were seen as a danger was because they killed all around them, whether they were friend or foe." Betrayal nodded. "This is why I was branded as the bearer of Betrayal, I was a Berzerker. In life I was known as, Guts. Time dilation for Equus: 3 days Total duration for Changeling War: 1 year 6 months, 1 week Celestia stood at the balcony watching the changelings approach, at the lead flew Chrysalis however she had changed. Her carapace was cracked and large bone spikes were ripping through it and her single eye glowed red. Around her neck hung the cause of her transformation, the Alicorn Amulet. Celestia sighed and turned to her sister. "With Chrysalis wearing the amulet I fear our chances of winning this battle has decreased significantly." "The alicorn Amulet, forged from Mythril by the ancient Dwarfs it was deemed far to dangerous for anyone pony to wield. In fear of its use they tuned to our Mother who locked it away. How did Chrysalis acquire it?" Luna asked concern showing on her face. "Twilight sent me a letter about a show mare using it, where she got it we didn't know but it was given to Zecora for safe keeping after Twilight removed it from the mare." Celestia sighed. "So Chrysalis stole it from Zecora's home." Luna said with a sigh and turned leaving the balcony. "Sister, Chrysalis has long since sealed her fate but this must be the final battle." Celestia turned and the two left the balcony heading for the armory as they walked they saw the guard running around preparing for the coming battle. Many had not seen action yet and would probably die within the first moments of battle. When the war had begun the nobles sent there children to enlist so that they may gain glory and have bragging rights unfortunately the children had no idea what they were doing and had failed at even the most basic of tasks. The only reason they even made it through basic training was due to there wealth and the instructors desire to have nothing to do with them. As a result they were undisciplined and a disgrace to the Royal Guard. It had gotten so bad that they had been given the nickname, the brat brigade. Celestia smiled. "You know one good thing may come from this." "Oh, what's that sister?" Luna asked an amused smile on her face. "I'll finally be rid of most of the nobles. With them gone we can place ponies like the bearers as nobles. Maybe then we will be able to get something done around here." Celestia said. Luna laughed as they entered the armory though it quickly died out as she saw her armor. Long ago, back when Equestia was young there had been many evils that the sisters had battled against. It was also during this time that they had earned the names Nightmare and Daybreaker. The names were given to them by there troops in battle. It was said that when the Nightmare rode into battle the shadows themselves would rise to aid her in battle and when the Daybreaker rose the enemies of Equestria were burned to ash by simply looking at her. The alicorn sisters had been ruthless in those days to the point that there vary appearance struck fear into the enemies troops. However that had been a much different time and it was believed that those stories were just legends to make the princesses seem more powerful. "Are you sure you wish to do this sister?" Luna asked. "It was you who wished to bury those personas, are you sure you wish to bring them back?" Celestia didn't say any thing. Luna turned to Celestia. "If we do this then we are confirming the legends of old, our ponies will never look upon us the same. Are you truly sure you wish to return to this path." Celestia turned to look at her sister. "We swore to leave them until they were needed again. Look around Luna, Changelings are at our doors, the Elements of Harmony are broken and an alicorn lies dead!" Celestia yelled angrily. "Chrysalis has come to far and crossed the forbidden line. Now she wears the Alicorn Amulet, an artifact that even Mother could not destroy only lock away because it's so powerful! If there ever was a time that we are needed it is now." Celestia stepped forward and grabbed the breastplate of the armor as her main and tail caught fire. She turned to Luna revealing her eves had changed to draconic slits. "She has taken one who was a daughter from me, I will see her pay." She growled as she attached the armor to herself, her fur lightening and taking on an orange red shade. Luna sighed and stepped forward as her eyes silted and her fur darkened to a deep back. "If this is the path you choose then so be it, I will stand at your side sister." Several moments later the two stepped out of the armory and made their way to the throne room around them the guards began to shake fear clear on their faces. For the first time in over a thousand years Daybreaker and Nightmare had been released. Chrysalis flew in front of the swarm a maniacal smile on her face. "As soon as you touch down begin slaughtering the populace, I want every scrap of love these worms have. I will deal with the Princesses and anyone else myself." She said. The swarm approached Canterlot and a massive wave blasted from the city. Chrysalis raised her hand and a red shield appeared around herself. The swarm scattered and dove for the city, as they landed the ponies ran screaming as they were slaughtered and drained of there love. Chrysalis smiled and walked toward the gates of the castle. as she approached the guards raised their weapons and fired upon the Queen. Chrysalis smiled and charged forward drawing her blade, the Guards screams were cut short as they were cut down. Chrysalis summoned a ball of energy and blasted the gates open, as she walked in guards charged their spears pointed at her. Chrysalis rolled her eyes and launched a wave of fire at them burning them to ash. As she entered the Castle guards continued to attack but were quickly being dispatched, at last she approached the throne room. Before it stood two guards but they were different. Their armor was a full plate rather than a simple chain-mail suit and a chest plate. In their hands were heavy broadswords. "I assume you are different?" The Queen asked. The guards charged forward and Chrysalis sighed before firing a wave of fire at them. One of the Guards raised his sword and slashed sending a wave of air from the blade cutting the wave of fire in half. The second Guard leaped over the fire and swung his sword downward forcing Chrysalis to block the blade. As she blocked the guard the other charged forward and thrust his blade in to chrysalis. However instead of it piercing her the blade was stopped. Chrysalis smiled and threw the guard she blocked away sending him into a wall and killing him, she then grabbed the other guard by the neck. The guard began to chock and dropped his sword. Chrysalis grabbed the blade and raised it to his stomach. The guards eyes widened as she thrust the blade into him before throwing them aside. Chrysalis smiled and turned to the throne room doors and slowly sauntered up to them before raising her left foot and kicking them open. Time dilation for the Void: 2999 years, 11 months, 30 days Total duration Equestrian time that Twilight has been in Void: 1 year 6 months, 1 week Twilight stood before Loyalty there swords raised as they circled each other. Loyalty charged delivering quick blows as Twilight parried them, from behind him shards of black crystal launched forcing him to dodge quickly to the side. Twilight snapped her fingered and quickly a sword fish shot at him, Loyalty parried the fish as it fought and Twilight quickly jumped backwards. The moment her feet touched the ground the earth erupted and seven golems formed and charged the warrior. Loyalty extended his wings and charged using the feathery appendages to slice through the stone being or blocking there blows as he cut down the last golem Twilight teleported behind him and slashed her blade. Loyalty blocked the blow with his wings though the force pushed him back. Twilight pressed the attack and summoned several blades of light that fired at him sending him spiraling back, she them stomped her foot and impaled him with several crystals that shot from the ground. Loyalty grunted and twisted his body breaking off the crystals and charging at Twilight who simply stood and watched, as he drew closer Twilight tensed and when he was right on top of her she launched herself into the air before delivering an ax kick to his head. Loyalty fell to the ground knocked out. Several hours later Loyalty groaned and turned to Twilight. "Gotta say, I haven't been beaten that bad since I was training." Twilight smiled and blushed. "You trained me master." Loyalty laughed. "Your to modest Twilight. A great warrior, scholar, beautiful, modest, kind, while also being royalty and the best politician I've ever met, if you don't attract someone within the first month of your return I will personally forge a suit of armor and eat it." The two shared a laugh before Loyalty turned serous. "Well I don't have to say whether you passed or not do I?" He asked. "I mean it should be a given." "So she is ready for my lesson." Betrayal said as he approached them. Loyalty nodded. Betrayal sighed. "Twilight my lesson has already been taught." Twilight stared at him confused. "What?" "The path of a Berserker is actually a lot simpler than you think." Betrayal explained. "You simply need need to be trained as a warrior and then you need a suit of Berserker Armor. Berserker Armor was forged by Dwarfs long ago. At one time there were many suits but over the ages they were either lost or destroyed. The only one that remains is mine." "Why were they destroyed?" Twilight asked. "The armor is cursed." Betrayal replied. "Berserker Armor is infused with a flow of pure blood lust, any who synchronize with this terrible flow of power with in becomes unstoppable, the wearers passions that become so strong that the wearer ceases to feel pain or fear. Living beings unconsciously limit there strength to protect themselves, pain is a warning to keep the body from destroying itself however with out pain beings become incredibly strong and agile, they surpass the bodies limitations endangering there lives." "So it represses pain and fear by using the wearers blood lust making them battle as an animal the longer they wear it?" Betrayal nodded. "Yes but that is only a fraction of its power. The armor and the wearer have a symbiotic relationship. The wearer provides it with power from their blood lust and rage while the armor protects the wearer. However the armor often goes to far. It the wearer is injured in battle and can no longer move the armor will embed itself into the wearer and set the limbs back while also moving them for the wearer." Twilight's eyes widened in understanding. "The armor doesn't heal the wearer though does it?" "No." Betrayal said. "Then that means that the armor will make the user fight till they die." Twilight said. "The armor is powerful but dangerous." Betrayal explained. "That is why your lessons will be with the armor not necessarily me. I will be teaching you how to use it and also how to prevent it from controlling you. Though you have an advantage over any of its other users." "What advantage?" Twilight asked. "You're immortal. The armor is alive and it eventually grows attached to the user. While I can no longer use it, it still cares about me. Since you're immortal you are not only near impossible to kill you but you and the armor will be bound till death and since you cant die by natural means then the armor will be with you forever as a constant companion." "How did I die if I am immortal?" Twilight asked. "I can answer that." Loyalty said. "When an Alicorn first gains their power they don't immediately become immortal, in fact when they first come to be they are weak and can be easily killed. Chrysalis took advantage of this to kill you." "Come with me Twilight it's time you take up the armor of a Berserker." Betrayal said as he walked into the shrine, Twilight hesitated for a moment before following. Betrayal lead Twilight to the armory and opened the door. As Twilight stepped in to the room she saw that the only thing inside was a suit of armor made from many plates, the helmet was fashioned into a wolves face and the eyes were shaped like a Z. "Twilight this is the Berserker Armor, Berserker Armor this is Twilight Sparkle. As I can no longer wear you I feel it is time I pass you on to the next." Betrayal said as he looked at the armor. "Thank you for all you have done for me old friend, I will never forget you." Once he finished he turned to Twilight and smiled. "I will leave you to get acquainted." He said and exited the room. Twilight looked at the armor for a time before taking a deep breath and approaching it, slowly she reached out but before she was able to touch it the armor moved on its own and grabbed her arm. Twilight froze in fear as the armor seemed to melt and slowly crawled up her arm. Twilight screamed and tried to pull away but the armor held her in place as it covered her. The armor slowly covered her and her eyes widened in fear as the helmet covered her and locked her in place. Twilight froze as she came face to face with a large black wolf. "So you are the one my former master spoke of." It said. "Who-what are you?!" Twilight asked as she backed up. your "I am the Armor." The wolf said as it paced around her. "I am the physical manifestation of your fear, your hate and your desire." It said as it approached her. Calmly the wolf looked over her before chuckling. "We will get along well you and I, such potential. I accept you as my master." It said before rushing at her. Twilight screamed as the wolf covered her and the world went black. As Twilight awoke the scent of blood filled he nose and she coughed before looking around. The first thing she noticed was that she was restrained by thick chains that bound her arms to her sides. Twilight flexed the chains testing there strength. "Finaly awake?" Betrayal asked. Twilight turned to see him sitting on a large stone. "What happened?" She asked. "When the armor bonds with it's new host it activates. Fortunately we were able to restrain you till you came to. "The armor accepted me?" She asked Betrayal nodded and walked toward her. "Now to train you to properly use the armor. > Chapter 7 - The Fall of Canterlot - Part 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight sat before Betrayal as he paced before her. "It's time you learn the full extent who you are as an Alicorn." He said as he stopped pacing and stood in front of her. "All Alicorn have two sides there is their base side and their dark side, these sides have been given the names Angelic and Demonic ironically it's rather fitting." Betrayal explained. "The Angelic side if the base form of all Alicorns." "So I'm in my Angelic form right now?" Twilight asked. Betrayal nodded. "Oddly enough we couldn't sense your demonic side when you first came her but when you linked with the armor it seemed to unlock. Celestia and Luna locked their Demonic forms away but it had severe repercussions. The entity Nightmare Moon was born from Luna and Celestia became highly unbalanced to the point that anything that isn't Order she deems 'evil'." "If I am to take the role as the Alicorn of Harmony I must be as balanced as possible." Twilight said. "From what you have said the Demonic side is its own being, a separate personality in a sense." "That is correct." Betrayal nodded. "When the Armor linked with you It became your Demonic side. While Celestia and Luna would teach you to control it that only leads to the two sides in conflict. I however am going to teach you how to coexist with it." Betrayal raised his hand and a black aura surrounded Twilight. Twilight screamed as she felt her self being ripped in two, suddenly the pain stopped and she gasped for breath. The sound of another gasping drew her attention and she froze. Floating beside her was a mare held in the same dark aura that held her. The mare looked almost exactly like her. She had the same build as Twilight but her main appeared as if it were black fog, her wings were draconic and her fur was a dark violet almost black. The figure groaned as her opened revealing them to be a deep violet though what caught her attention was the dagonic slits in them that glowed red. "That hurt." The mare groaned. "Who is she?" Twilight asked shocked. "I'm you, well not exactly you, I'm the darker version of you. We already met though remember?" The mare asked with a giggle. Twilight's eyes widened. "The wolf that I met, your the Berserker Armor!" She exclaimed. The mare giggled. "Call me Dawn Flame, better than Armor or Berserker or something like that. You know I've existed for almost four thousand years and I've never had a name, guess this will be a new experience over all." "You can figure it all out later." Betrayal said as he turned to Twilight. "The spell I used removed all darkness from you now you are purely order while she is purely Chaos. You will train together and learn to coexist. Now come." Betrayal sat the two down and turned walking away. Dawn Flame tried to stand but stumbled and fell after trying again and falling she growled angrily. "Damn it how do you stand!" She asked. Twilight walked over to the fallen mare and warped an arm around her to support her. "Come on lets keep up with him." She said. Dawn nodded and they started after Betrayal, they walked for a while Dawn slowly leaning on Twilight less and less. By the time Betrayal stopped Dawn was walking on her own. They had reached a small dock and Betrayal slowly boarded a small row boat. "Get on." He said and the two mare boarded the boat. Slowly he began to pull away from the dock and they slowly disappeared into the lakes fog. Betrayal steered the boat to a island that seemed to be in the center of the lake. "Is that were we are going old friend?" Dawn asked. Betrayal nodded and continued to pilot the boat to the island when they landed the group disembarked and Betrayal approached them. "Why are we here?" Twilight asked. "This island is home to thousands of monsters that are a challenge even for me and Loyalty, you two will train here. You will remain here and survive for three hundred years." "What!" The two mare cried in shock. "Dawn you must learn to work with Twilight as well and live as your own being." He said as he turned to Twilight. "Twilight when I was a mortal, even before I as given the Berserker armor, I was able to challenge the gods themselves and I was in my late twenties. You must gain this strength as well and also train Dawn." "I see, So this is my true test." Twilight said with a smile. "I can still use the berserker armor but it will be weakened, you want me to learn how to use the armor without falling to its temptation and also teach Dawn all I know. When the training is done you will remerge us and them we will learn how to battle together as a single entity." "When three hundred years has passed use this scroll, it contains the counter spell." Betrayal said as he pulled a scroll from his pocket and handed it to Twilight. "Once this is done you will train for another hundred years here as a single person, when that time is up you will forge your own blade made from the power you posses and learn to wield it. One year before you return are to return to Equestria I will return and take you from this island so that you may rest and prepare." Betrayal turned and walked back to the boat pushing it off and jumped on. "I wish you luck!" He called out as the boat slowly drifted into the fog. Twilight sighed. "Come on Let's go find a place to call home." She said as she turned to Dawn. 499 years later Betrayal slowly rowed the boat to the island as he neared he saw a mare in Berserker armor. She stood calmly her wings folded back and a small pack next to her. on her back was a sword. the sword was as large as his Dragon Slayer but rather than it being a single blade the sword was forged to be a double helix and the two blades glowed with power. As the boat landed he approached the mare who walked toward him. "Good to see you Twilight." Betrayal said. Twilight nodded and drew the blade. "I assume you want to see it." Betrayal nodded and took the blade. "Forged from?" He asked. "Adamantine and Mythril." Twilight replied. "Powers?" He asked. "Each of the two blades was forged with order and chaos magic absorbed onto it. It can cast a room into total darkness and light, it came be used as a light source as it glows in darkness as well. It can harm beings from both the mortal plain and spiritual plan due to the amount of demonic blood I've spilled with it. It can sever time and space, cut reality in half, open portals, fire elemental blasts, is enchanted to never dull and remain sharp forever, and can be divided into two blades." Twilight answered. Betrayal turned to look at her. "It can split?" Twilight nodded. Betrayal handed the blade to her. "Show me." Twilight smiled and pulled the sword apart leaving a sword in each of her hands. The swords blades were still curved though they shrunk slightly. "Well balanced, the blades are an opposite of each other. Betrayal nodded. "Your ready to return, pack what ever you wish to take. In one year you will be returning to Equestria." Celestia and Luna sat upon their thrones watching the invasion, even from the palace they saw the large explosions caused by the clashing of Changelings and the Bearers as well as their fellow monarchs. Suddenly the throne room doors burst open and Chrysalis stood walked in, the sisters turned from the windows and gazed at the Changeling Queen, her twisted form barely recognizable. "Hello Chrysalis." Celestia said as he examined the Queen. "It seems the amulet has finally corrupted you to the point where there is nothing left." The Queen laughed. "I'm going to enjoy this. Soon I will become a goddess, power beyond even you awaits me. A shame that Twilight had to die, she would have made a lovely meal and perhaps with the power I'd have gained I would not have had to resort to such a methods but you got in the way." Celestia growled as her halberd flew to her hand. "You took one who was a daughter from me, I will see you rot in the deepest pits of Tartarus!" She roared as she charged. The Queen drew her sword and blocked the attack. "I will consume you power and skull fuck your corpse." She said as a sadistic smile crossed her face. "You may try but you will fail, just as all the others have." Celestia hissed as she launched a wave of fire at the Queen. Chrysalis blocked the attack only to be blindsided by Luna. "Surprise bitch!" Luan yelled as a beam of ice fired from her open hand. Chrysalis dodged the beam and leaped at Luna. Luna dodge the Queen as a rapier appears in her hand. Celestia teleported before the Queen and swing the halberd. Chrysalis blocked the attack and flipped over the enraged princess. Suddenly one of the windows exploded and a rainbow maned Pegasus flew at the Queen slashing with her blade. The Queen blocked the attack only to be grabbed by a dragon and slammed into the ground. Chrysalis growled and rose glaring at the group before her before a pink and brown blur slammed into from behind. Chrysalis gasped and was thrown away as a orange mare walked forward and fired her shotgun at her. Chrysalis raised her shield preventing the blast from injuring her though she was knocked back and an arrow pierced through her shield and struck her shoulder. "This is for General Stone Wall!" A voice cried as a mare in white armor screamed and slammed a war-hammed into the shield shattering it. Chrysalis groaned as she roes and glared at the group. Celestia and Luna stood at the front surrounded by the Element bearers, Dragon Lord, Griffon King and Discord. (Play this) "So you're all are here, good." She said with a smile as she rose and began to laugh Finally I don't have to hold back. The amulet glowed brightly as her form began to change. "This body was falling apart and wouldn't have lasted much longer but now I may complete the metamorphosis!" She laughed before her body exploded. The group gasped in shock as the Queen slowly unfurled her wings revealing her body as green energy surrounded her new form. "At last I will be a Goddess, at last I will be rid of you filth!" She laughed as she glared to the group. Fluttershy fired a volley of arrows at the Queen but they bounced off her carapace. The Queen glared at her before picking up one of the arrow and with in the blink of an eye she was before the mare. Fluttershy's eyes widened as the Queen drove the arrow into her stomach. Discord roared and charged the Queen as she turned and impaled him on the chest. Discord stumbled back gasping before sinking to his knees. Slowly he reached for Fluttershy before falling over. Applejack quickly drew her pistols and fired at Queen but the bullets were blocked by the queens wings. Chrysalis turned and approached her as Pinkie charged and was impaled by a wing. As Pinkie fell Obsidian roared and charged Dragon Lord Inferno at his side. The dragons racked their claws against the queen carapace not even scratching it. The Queen stopped her advance on applejack before smiling and driving her hands through the their chests. The dragons eyes widened in shock as they looked down at the hand. Chrysalis turned and walked away as the dragons fell. As she neared Applejack the farmer drew her shotgun, the queen smiled and a wing shot forward embedding itself in the farm mare. Applejack smiled and fired it into the queens face before going limp. The Queen screamed as the blast impacted and blood oozing out. Rarity screamed and charged, Rainbow behind her. The queen spun around and slammed her foot into rarity as she summoned her magic and grabbed her slamming her into a wall, she then grabbed Rainbow and flung her into the wall next to her. She then turned to the Griffon King and the Princesses. This is the end of the line for you." She said as she approached them. Luna and Celestia charged their weapons raised but chrysalis simply raised her arm and they froze in place. She then flung them backwards causing the to slam into their thrones. The Griffon King growled and drew his blade. "I will not run, I will not retreat, I will fight and die just as my allies have." He said calmly "Oh they're not dead, yet." Chrysalis said with a smile. "I want them to watch as all they fought for is destroyed, as they watch their precious ponies are slaughtered like the cattle they are and as I take my place as the Goddess of this world." She smiled as she stepped forward only to have a blade of light pierce through her chest. Chrysalis stared uncomprehendingly at the blade as it faded leaving a hole in her chest. Slowly she turned to see a mare in armor made from hundreds of interlinking plates with a helmet that was fashioned to look like a wolf. The mare stood as tall as Celestia and her mane and tail appeared as if it were alive shifting through the colors of dusk and dawn as it floated in a ethereal breeze. Her wings were outstretched there tips were a deep purple that faded the higher it went. In her hand was a weapon though it was to large to be called a sword as it was the size of her, the weapons blade was a double helix with one of the blades glowing a light violet while the other glowed a deep purple almost black. slowly the helmet pulled back on its own revealing the face of a mare with purple fur and violet eyes. Everyone in the room stared in shock at the mare before them as the walked forward slowly her steps holding a natural grace to them that made her appear seductive while also deadly. The mare slowly approached the Queen her eyes not once leaving her. As she neared the Queen began shacking in fear her eyes wide and glued to the approaching mare. Celestias Eyes widened as she finally focused on the figure. "Twilight." Luna gasped in shock. > Chapter 8 - The Bloody Valkyrie > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Void, a place of nonexistence between the realms of Life and Death. The void was constructed like a mountain divided up into six realms each under the control of two of the original bearers/creators of the artifacts known as the Elements of Harmony. The first realm was controlled by Honesty and Deception and was known as the Realm of Earth. The Realm of Earth was an endless desert covered in barren sand, stone mountains and gorges. Those who walked it would find themselves parched of thirst and suffer from the great heat. The second was ruled by Generosity and Greed and was named the Realm of Crystal. The Realm of Crystal was a world of ice and snow that underneath was a labyrinth that was made of crystal. Those who entered would be lost forever in the endless maze. After navigating the maze one would enter the Realm of Chaos which was controlled by Laughter and Sorrow. The Realm of Chaos was a maddening world where everything held a logical reaction while also being completely illogical. As a result it often drove any who entered mad for a few thousand years. Were one to survive the Realm of Chaos and not go mad the traveler would be greeted with the the realm controlled by Kindness and Cruelty, the Realm of Fire. The Realm of Fire was a realm where fire engulfed everything, the land was volcanic and the rivers were that of lava. The heat was intolerable and any cloths one wore would burn away from the ash and fire that permeated the air. Those who lived through the fiery depths would reach the Realm of Magic controlled by the twin magicians, Magic and Necromancy. Their realm similar to the void in many ways, it was a was vast and empty, the senses were muted and the world was quiet. The Realm of Magic was a place of peace and meditation, a place to reflect upon ones path in life and the choices they'd made thus far. Once the traveler passed through they would come to the 'summit of the mountain' that made up the Void and enter the final realm, the Realm of Shadow. The Realm of shadow was controlled by Loyalty and Betrayal and was an endless world of eternal night The ground was littered with thousands of bio-luminescent plants and trees while the sky shone with thousands of stars. While there was no moon in the sky the stars provided plenty of light. Unlike the other realms, the Realm of Shadow had many structures and creatures that prayed on the unaware. It was a dangerous place. Deep within the Void at the tip of the 'summit' a mare sat in deep meditation. The mare had live with in this void between life and death for almost three thousand five hundred years. She had trained and learned from each of the Elements and now stood preparing for the final journey. The mares name was Twilight Sparkle, the Alicorn of Harmony. Slowly the Alicorn opened her eyes to see all twelve beings standing before her, slowly rose to and knelt to the figures. "I assume it is time I leave?" She asked. "It is." Loyalty said sadly. "We will miss you dear friend." "I will miss you as well." Twilight said a tear fell from her eye. "Before you go there are things you must know." Magic said. "Twilight Sparkle, within your world is a place where we are in contact with." Kindness said. "It is an ancient place links to this world. It was here we founded the Harmony Empire." "The Harmony Empire is an empire that we founded and was welcoming to every race on Equus." Cruelty said. "For to long the throne of the Empire has been vacant." Loyalty said. "However the time has come for the ruler to take the throne." Loyalty gazed at Twilight with what felt like pride. "Twilight Sparkle, we ask you to take the throne of the Harmony Empire and lead it." Twilight stood shocked. "I-I don't know what to say." She said slowly before bowing deeper. "Yes, I will take the throne as you have asked." The group nodded. "Thank you Twilight." Honesty said. "We contacted the Empire a time ago and told them of you and they they asked you to take the throne. We have lead and advised the Empire from afar but due to us being confined here we can do no more. With you ruling them The empire will flourish." "You should know however the Harmony Empire has a great responsibility. You see when we created the Empire we built its Archives to be vary special." Necromancy said cheekily. "The Harmony Empire contains the largest archive in all of Equus containing every work ever written from fiction to non-fiction. Every story ever written is there even if there is only one copy ever created. The Archives was created specifically to protect all knowledge from being erased permanently" Twilight gasped at this. Deception laughed. "Most of the cities citizens are extremely dedicated to seeking knowledge and any information they acquire is recorded and placed in the archives. The Harmony Empire also contains a non bias history meaning that History is written as it was not as it is believed to be." Loyalty sighed. "As a result The Empire has many enemies who wish to destroy these secrets and prevent the truth coming out. The Empire is vary protective of the knowledge contained with in the archives. If you become their ruler then you will be tasked with forever guarding this archive." "I accept this task, and will make sure that such knowledge is never destroyed" Twilight said happily. The ancient beings laughed. "We know you will dear." Generosity said. "However we also give you a warning Twilight, Celestia has actively steered you away from your destiny as the Alicorn of Harmony." Greed said. Twilight frowned. "That makes sense, as Harmony it is my duty to keep order and Chaos in check and Equestia is far to orderly, honestly I can see why Discord hates it so much. Celestia would certainly try to prevent me from learning what my true destiny was." "Why do you say that my student?" Sorrow asked with a smirk. "Please, you trained me in politics so you already know." Twilight scoffed. "The reason is it goes against everything she has built for Equestria, it also would leave her in a political bind that she couldn't get out of." Sorrow nodded. "Good." "Well with that warning it's time you return home, farewell dear friend." Loyalty said. Each of the beings raised their hands and a beam of light shot from them and hit Twilight. As the last beam hit her she vanished in a white light. The twelve beings watched the place where Twilight stood a sad look on their faces. "Come on, if we sulk to much we'll miss the show!" Laughter exclaimed causing the others chuckled and nod. Slowly she turned to see a mare in armor made from hundreds of interlinking plates with a helmet that was fashioned to look like a wolf. The mare stood as tall as Celestia and her mane and tail appeared as if it were alive shifting through the colors of dusk and dawn as it floated in a ethereal breeze. Her wings were outstretched there tips were a deep purple that faded the higher it went. In her hand was a weapon though it was to large to be called a sword as it was the size of her, the weapons blade was a double helix with one of the blades glowing a light violet while the other glowed a deep purple almost black. slowly the helmet pulled back on its own revealing the face of a mare with purple fur and violet eyes. Everyone in the room stared in shock at the mare before them as the walked forward slowly her steps holding a natural grace to them that made her appear seductive while also deadly. The mare slowly approached the Queen her eyes not once leaving her. As she neared the Queen began shacking in fear her eyes wide and glued to the approaching mare. Celestias Eyes widened as she finally focused on the figure. "Twilight." Luna gasped in shock. "Impossible, I killed you." Chrysalis growled. Twilight laughed. "Ya, you did and it hurt like a bitch but guess what cunt muffin, I got a round two something you aren't getting." The helmet slowly extended and locked in place the eye glowing red. Twilight drew the sword on her back and held it out as Chrysalis screamed and charged. The Queen drew closer approaching Twilight with the intent to run her blade through the Alicorn but at the last second Twilight swung her sword. The slash ripped through the walls and ceiling and flung Chrysalis out of the throne room. Twilight turned to followed launching her self at the queen who summoned her magic firing beams of it at the Alicorn. Twilight used her blade to block the beams and redirect at the queen hitting her, Chrysalis cried out in pain as she was rocketed into the ground. Twilight came down on top of her the Changeling Queen barely able to role out of the way. Twilight used the momentum to flip over the blade while simultaneously ripping it from the ground delivering a blow that sent a shock wave out. As the dust settled the onlookers gasped ad the saw the Queen still standing though a deep slash was cut across her torso, green blood gushed out of it as the Queen glared at the Alicorn. "How? HOW ARE YOU SO STRONG?!" She screamed as she charged the alicorn. Twilight snapped her fingers and three swordfish fired at her before she summoned a glass of chocolate milk, as the glass hit the ground a chocolate tornado erupted around the queen. "Three thousand five hundred years of training to kill you, tha'ts how." Twilight growled as the tornado dispersed. Twilight waved her hand in an arcing motion and seven miniature suns appeared and fired at Chrysalis who charged slashing the suns. As the suns exploded miniaturized black holes opened and ripped the queen apart. Twilight smiled as she charged the queen and thrust her sword into the queens chest. Chrysalis screamed as the blade was thrust into her and quickly teleported away. As she turned her eye widened as the blade met her head cleaving it in two, her remaining eye popping out and hanging there. The Changeling Queen form gurgled before falling of the blade. Twilight eyed the dead Queen as she flung the blood off the blade and sheath it on her back. Slowly she knelt down and grabbed the Alicorn Amulet and examining it before squeezing her hand and the shattering it. She then turned away from the body and unfurled her wings before flying back up to the throne room. As she landed the group in the room stared in shock as helmet retracted around Twilight s faces and the armor sunk into her skin. When it finished Twilight sighed and stretched. "Well that was quick." She sighed. "And here I thought she would actually be a challenge." Celestia ran over to Twilight and pulled her into a hug as tears ran down her face. Slowly the others realized that Twilight was actually there and approached the mare. Twilight smiled and turned to them. "Good to see you guys." She said with a smile. "It would seem that much has happened since you were last with us." Luna said as she approached them. Twilight chuckled. "You don't know the half of it." She said. A sudden buzzing from behind them drew there attention and they turned to see thousands of Changelings floating in front of the opening. Slowly a few landed and approached the group. "What do you want." Celestia asked coldly. The lead changeling looked at Twilight and then knelt down. "In accordance with the laws of the Hive the one who slays the Queen becomes the Queen. We pledge our Loyalty to you, Twilight Sparkle." "Oh ya, forgot about that rule." Twilight said as she sighed. "What!?" The group exclaimed in shock as they stared in shock. Twilight ignored them and thought. "Ok, do nothing hostile to anyone, right now you need to surrender. I'll explain the situation to the other rulers." Twilight said to the changelings. The changelings nodded. "As you command our Queen." The Changelings said. Twilight turned to the group who were staring at her in shock. "Gather the leaders and commanders. This is going to be a long story." Several Hours later all the leaders stood around the long meeting table. At the head stood Celestia and Luna while the others took there seats. In the corner stood Twilight Sparkle supposedly back from the dead. Celestia sighed and turned to Twilight. "We are all here." Twilight nodded and walked to the table. "The first thing I want to know is how long was I gone." "It's been a little of one an half years." Celestia replied. Twilight nodded. "This helps me. When I died I was not taken to the underworld, instead I was taken to a place known as the Void. The Void is a realm between the realms of the Living and Dead, it is here that I met the original twelve bearers and the creators of the Elements of Harmony. They offered me a choice, die and move on or Train to be who I really am and take the role as the Alicorn of Harmony. I accepted the later option and have spent the past three thousand five hundred years training. Now I have returned." "So what was with the Changelings suddenly surrendering?" Cadence asked. "The Changelings approached us and said that Twilight was there new Queen, she told them to surrender." King Raven said. As he said this all eyes turned to Twilight. "In the hive there are two rules. Rule one: The Queen word is law. The Queen is the overriding will of the hive, no changeling can disobey the Queen whether they want to or not. The second rule is that the one who slays the Queen becomes the Queen. As I killed Queen Chrysalis everything she has is mine by right of conquest." Twilight explained. "So you are to be the ruler of the Changelings." Dragon Lord Inferno said in thought. "Okay." Everyone stared at him in surprise. "What?" He asked. "I trust Twilight to not abuse her power and authority and honestly who else would be there leader?" He asked. The other leaders looked at each other shrugging. "Your point is made, Inferno." Celestia said. "While I appreciate the vote of confidence I already have a throne to claim and it is one you can't deny me." Twilight said calmly. Everyone turned surprised. "And what is that?" The Minotaur chancellor asked. "The throne of the Harmony Empire." Twilight said calmly as several leaders gasped or fidgeted uncomfortably. "Twilight I forbid you from even speaking of that place." Celestia growled. Twilight turned to stair at her and Celestia froze. "You have no right to do such, The Creators of the Elements of Harmony placed me in the position as the Empress if the Harmony Empire. Besides you have little right to order me around after all you have done." Celestia eyes widened in fear as the others rulers looked on confused except for Discord who growled. "You knew!" He yelled angrily. "You knew her destiny and attempted to interfere!" "Auntie what's going on?" Cadence asked "What did you know?" "Celestia knew I was the Alicorn of Harmony but instead attempted to stall me and change my destiny because of what Harmony is." Twilight said coldly. "Harmony is balance between Order and Chaos. Because of this I would eventually have to interfere with Equestria." "Why would you have to do this." King Raven asked. "Equestia has always walked the border between Harmony and Order, sadly however it has gone to far into the later." Zecora sighed "This Is why I was sent her, Chaos has nearly disappeared." Twilight nodded. "Equestria has fallen out of Harmony, my job is to keep that balance." "Sister, why do this?" Luna asked concerned. "I don't need to explain my actions to you or anyone else!" Celestia retorted angrily before turning to Twilight. "It's clear you have gone mad Twilight, since the Elements won't work unless they are together we will have to contain you." She said as he hand glowed and a set of ethereal chains appeared around Twilight. Twilight sighed and ripped the chains apart as if they were paper. "Celestia I am over three thousand years old while you are only two thousand, I am both older and more powerful than you." She said calmly. Celestia growled and her halberd appeared in her hand, Twilight sighed again and raised her hand. Magic arced around Celestia creating a cage that imprisoned her. Celestia screamed and slashed at the cage. "Sister stop!" Luna exclaimed. "Alicorns have two sides, a Angelic and Demonic. When you and Celestia sealed away your Demonic half you became unbalanced. For you, the unbalance resulted in Nightmare Moon. For Celestia anything that has any evil or isn't perfect she seeks to destroy or contain." Twilight said calmly. Slowly she approached the screaming alicorn and raised her hand. "The simplest way to stop this is to break the seal." She said as her magic flared and a loud shattering sound occurred. Celestia froze before fainting. Twilight dispelled the cage and Luna ran over to her sister and hugging her. "Thank you for the help Twilight." She said as she looked up. Twiight nodded and smiled. "Happy to help." A sudden knock at the door came and a guard walked in. "Sorry for the intrusion but a group of guards in black armor have arrived. They say they are from the Harmony Empire and are here to greet their new Empress." Every one turned to Twilight. "Tell them I will be coming soon." She said as she turned to her friends. "Want to come with me to the Harmony Empire?" she asked. The group looked at each other in shock. "Sorry Twi but I can't, I still got to take care of the farm." Applejack said. "Sorry dear but I must see to my troops first however perhaps we will join you at a later time." Rarity said "I'll go as long as Discord comes." Fluttershy said. Discord smiled. "I'd gladly come." Fluttershy smiled and turned to Twilight. "Then I'll go." "Road trip!" Pinkie cried out excitedly. "I'll come Twilight. My Loyalty is to you." Rainbow said before turning to Luna. "Princess Luna, I Commander Rainbow Dash resign my Position as Commander of the Pegasus Military." "Commander Dash, you are honorably discharged, may your Loyalty guide you." Luna said with a smile. Rainbow saluted and walked to Twilight as Pinkie skipped over and Fluttershy and Discord approached. Suddenly Fluttershy's eyes widened. "Oh, um, Twilight is it okay if our daughter comes?" Fluttershy asked. Twilight smiled and nodded. "Yes she can go." Twilight said with a smile. Twilight then turned to the guard. "Take us to my subjects." She said. The guard nodded and turned, Twilight walked out of the conference her friends at her side. The next great chapter beginning as she strode confidentially forward a look of determination on her face Sequel Now out Rise of the Eternal Empire