> Flash Sentry Chronicles: The Forgotten Darkness
>  by Banshee531
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> The Lone Knights Tale
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Failures, repeated failures, are finger posts on the road to achievement. One fails forward toward success.
-C. S. Lewis


It began in a long, endless grass-filled plain. The land looked as if it was a sea of green strands, nothing but these tiny plants as far as the eyes could see. And as one that would look over this earthen empty paradise, a single pony was walking over those green hills. This pony was wearing a torn brown cloak, the seams torn as the wind blew the back of the cloth upward. Despite these tears, the pony was completely concealed, their identity hidden under the long, thin hood.

But as the pony continued to walk, it looked up, only to see another figure in the distance. This figure was also cloaked, but it was no pony. This being stood on two legs, and a deep red glow shined from it's eyes. The figure didn't move, it just stood there as the cloaked pony slowly made it's way up to it.

And as the minutes passed, a heavy wind blew through the countryside, blowing both capes upward. As it did, the wind showed four bright blush red hooves, along with a dark scarlet mane under the pony's cloak. As for the other, it showed two three-toed black furred feet.

Then, the bipedal figure spoke, "About time you showed up."

The pony chuckled under it's breath. "Heh, don't tell me you were waiting. I bet you were just sleeping standing up."

"Tch...smart-mouthed as usual, I see." the other figure said as it lifted a limb upward, only to reveal a black paw with a white spike on top of it. A blue flame consumed the paw, its fingers turning and clenching as the fire continued to burn. And as the blue flame grew, a white pole like object appeared in the flames, only to extend into a bone-shaped weapon, which the bipedal figure wielded like a blade, "Perhaps I should test you first. See if you're ready to face her."

The pony shined a huge smirk under her cloak. "If you insist." A swift hoof pulled back the hood, revealing a young adult unicorn mare, her coat shining like jewels. Her horn began to flare, only to summon into her hooves a long sword made entirely of crystals. She spun it around once, only to shift her hooves into an offensive stance, "Well? Let the test begin."

The other cricked it's neck as it pointed the bone directly at her. "Very well."

CLANG!

That was the sound of both weapons striking, the grass beneath them shifting as the two began to clash. It started with a single vertical strike from both, the two attacks now equal as they slammed into each other. Seeing this, both figures hopped back, the bipedal one lunging forward next as he lifted the bone weapon up high. In response, the mare's horn flared, a crystal shield forming as it blocked the bone, only for a second one to appear in the bipedal's other arm. Quickly hopping back again, the pony dodged this attack, only for two more bone swings to occur, both striking the shield, shattering it instantly.

"That all you got?! I know you're better than that!" the bipedal figure yelled as he swung again, this time striking the mare's crystal blade. With this one blow, the sword split in two, instantly falling apart. And as he readied another attack, he looked up into the mare's eyes, only to see a huge smile.

"I'm not done yet." she proclaimed as her horn continued to glow, soon summoning two spears to her sides. "Take this!"

Immediately, both long distance weapons jabbed at their opponent, the figure instantly hopping back as the attacks blocked both of his bone weapons. In response, he cancelled the bones, quickly shifting his cloak to reveal a single paw. He pointed said palm at the mare, a ball of blue energy forming out of thin air.

BLAM!

The sphere shot straight for the mare, her horn flaring again as a crystal shield appeared in front of her just in time. The ball struck the crystal wall, both colliding and kicking up a dust storm of explosive energy. And as the dust covered the grass, both figures leapt into the smoke, the two unable to see their opponents. But it didn't matter, as they wielded no fear into that dusty fog. They merely charged ahead, ready to strike.

It was two minutes after the dust finally cleared, and as it did, the two figures still stood. The mare had a three-pronged claw under her neck while an energy bone was just centimeters away from her horn. At the same time, the bipedal figure had the end of two crystal spears on either side of his neck, and a crystal blade at his stomach.

The two had stood there for two minutes now, soon turning to three as they stared at each other. One single movement would decide the match, for whoever moved first, would lose. And as they stood there, their lips slowly morphed into smiles, and small, almost whisper like giggles leaving their mouths.

"Heh heh...ahahahaha!!!" The two laughed, their weapons instantly disappearing. They both stood there as they giggled, giant smiles now on their faces.

"Ahahahaha!!! Well done! You've improved yet again!" said the bipedal figure as he patted the mare on the back, "You've come a long way, Ruby Scarlet!"

"Heh...thanks Sharp Paw." Ruby replied as she gave him a hug, "And you're still the toughest jakhowl around."

"You know it!" Sharp guffawed as he returned the hug. A second later, he pulled away and gestured Ruby to follow him. "Come on, she's waiting for you. Both of them."

"Sounds good to me." Ruby commented as the two made their way across the fields. Time passed quickly as they walked over those grassy plains, both doing small talk as they got closer to their destination. It was here that Ruby saw it on the horizon, a sight she always loved to see.

In the distance was a castle, one much smaller than that of the Castle of the Two Sisters. It was located many miles south of that castle, far away from the Everfree, or almost most of Equestrian civilization. The building was colored dark blue, complete with a gothic style outside, complete with dark blue banners on its sides. It was made of pure stone, all made with rough yet sturdy textures. But it was the inside that Ruby loved as they went up to the main yard in front of the castle. Here, they were hundreds of jakhowls, almost all of them younglings. They were all playing in the main yard, rolling in the grass, playing tag or hide and go seek. All had huge smiles on their faces as the two entered that field.

"Oh! Look everyjakhowl! Its Chief Sharp Paw!" screamed a young jakhowl as it pointed to Sharp Paw, a volley of cheers soon following.

"Hey! Ruby's here too! Yay!" cheered another as the young ones ran up to the duo, Ruby instinctively bending over and hugging a few. Sharp did the same, smiles on all of their faces.

"Hello! Its so good to see you all!" Ruby exclaimed as she hugged a fifth jakhowl. "Oh, I missed you all so much!"

"We missed you too Ruby!" a sixth jakhowl cried as he hugged the mare, "Please stay and play with us!"

"Play with us! Play with us!" they echoed while others just barked, causing her to giggle at the sight.

She shook her head, kneeling down to pat a few on the head, "I'm sorry. I would love to, but I need to report to your master." She stood back up after this, her left eye winking, "And if she doesn't mind, I might be able to play with you afterward, okay?"

"Okay!"

"Yay! Ruby is gonna play with us! Yay!"

"I can't wait!"

Sharp Paw guffawed at the sight, "You really know how to get along with them, don't ya?!"

"Of course. I was taught by the best." Ruby replied, her eyebrows hopping up and down.

Sharp Paw looked away, "Tch, you sound just like my mate."

"Who do you think taught me? You?!"

"Oh stop it!"





A few minutes later...

The sound of rusty stone grinding across the floor could be heard as the castle's main doors were opened. As these frames moved, the duo stepped inside, Ruby just a step ahead of Sharp. And as they closed the doors behind them, the sound of footsteps could be heard.

"Sharp! Sharp!" yelled a voice as it approached them. It was an adult jakhowl, this one being female. To the normal eye, she looked to be exactly like Sharp Paw, with the exception of one detail. She had a tiny scar just above her left eye, this detail making her different from all others.

"Calm Paw!" Sharp exclaimed as the jakhowl embraced the female, the two blushing as they began their hug. "Oh, its so good to see you!"

"You too, my love!" she replied before pulling away, her eyes turning to Ruby, "Well well well, if it isn't the biggest shining stinker of them all. What's your sorry hide doing here, my old rival?"

"Oh, nothing much." Ruby remarked with crossed hooves and a smirk, "Just kicking your mate's flank out in the fields." She leaned up to Calm's face as her grin grew, "That and making sure the little ones like me more than you."

"Is that so?" Calm hissed back, only to given a response of one stuck out tongue from Ruby. This made Calm scowl as she slung a paw around Ruby, giggling, "Come here you! Give me a hug!"

"Gladly." Ruby replied as they both hugged, the three now giggling up a storm. And as they continued to laugh, a fourth figure began to walk up the hallway.

"My my, so nice to see such happiness in my halls." said the figure as it stepped up to the trio, "Greetings Ruby Scarlet. Its good to see you back."

"Your majesty." Ruby almost gasped before bowing, the jakhowls doing the same. "It is good to see you as well, Princess Luna."

"Rise Ruby Scarlet. We much to discuss." Luna waved her hoof, causing the three to ascend. And as they got up, a small graced Luna's face as she pointed at Ruby, "I'm glad you're back. When my scouts said they saw somepony coming from the distance, I knew I had to have somepony check it out."

"And you sent Sharp?" Ruby questioned with a raised eyebrow.

"He insisted. That and I asked you to come anyways, as you already know."

Ruby turned to the jakhowl, getting a nod in response before looking back at Luna. "Princess Luna, I-"

Luna flashed her hoof, "Just Luna now Ruby. We're all friends inside here." Luna glanced slightly away as she mumbled, "We have no need for formalities, not in this sanctuary, unlike my...sister's castle." The last few words were filled with a low, gravely tone as Luna turned around, "Come. I wish to hear your full report. That, and we have some good news."

"Good news?"

"Yes. Calm Paw?"

Ruby turned to her old jakhowl rival. The jakhowl had a huge blush on her face, one that was red as the brightest tomato. Her paws were fidgeting as she looked up at Ruby, her eyes slightly diverting as she tried to say something, "We uh...have some really special news Ruby. I told Princess Luna that I wanted to tell you first since...you know..."

"We're good acquaintances?" Ruby cheekily replied, only to get jab on the shoulder.

"No, you dummy! You're my best friend and battle partner!" Calm growled as she jabbed Ruby's stomach next, "Why are you always mean to me?!"

"Mean to you? You're always mean to me!"

"I am not! You're my best friend, you meanie!" Calm screeched, her head now turning away from Ruby, "Fine! If you're gonna be a jerk, I won't tell you!"

"Oh, come on!" Ruby flicked her horn, an aura grabbing and turning Calm around, "Tell me already!"

"No!" Calm stuck out her tongue, "And you can't make me!"

"Ugh...those two." Sharp grumbled, shaking his head as he glanced at Luna, "Think they'll ever get along?"

"Yes. After all, they show true friendship in front of us." Luna remarked as she giggled at the sight. "Don't worry Sharp. I trained them both at the same time, those two have been through thick and thin together. They'll always be friends, just like the fact that they're partners like us."

"I sure hope so." Sharp replied as he went up and tapped his partner's shoulder. "My love, perhaps you should just tell her."

"But Sharp...she's being mean to me!" Calm whined as she slumped over on her mate, Sharp now facepawing.

"Good grief." Sharp deadpanned as he patted Calm's head, his face turning to Ruby, "Ruby, since she's being a...foal about this, could you give us your report first? We'll tell you the good news later."

"Um...sure." Ruby responded, her happy face no longer showing. Instead, it turned to one of fear and...depression. Luna saw this as well, walking in front of the jakhowls.

"Ruby? What is the matter?" the princess asked with a slight frown.

"Uh...let's just say things didn't go well. I know you wanted to knight me after this mission, but..." Ruby replied as she bowed down to the princess. Her teeth now biting her lips, she muttered out, "Your majesty...I-"

"You failed the mission." Luna interrupted, making Ruby shiver like a leaf. She didn't dare look up as Luna crossed her hooves, "I know the mission was a failure Ruby. That's why I asked my sister to have you return here before going to the castle."

As this information went into the crystal unicorn's ears, she slowly looked up, "You...princess, I...I don't understand."

Luna put her hoof on Ruby's shoulder, "Don't. You are my friend Ruby. I had you come here because I know you see this place as a second home. As such, I wanted you be happy before telling us the news."

"Luna...I..."

Luna flashed her hoof, "Stop. Before you continue, I want you to know this. As stated before the mission you were assigned a week ago, you will still be knighted."

A loud gasp followed this, Ruby covering her mouth with her hoof, "Your majesty! You don't mean-"

"You have already proven yourself Ruby Scarlet. In fact, we were glad of the mission because we were originally going to have Princess Amore attend, but she was unable to last week."

"Princess Amore...she was-"

"Going to attend? Yes, she was and she still will. She is very proud of you, being the first crystal pony Royal Knight."

It was here that Ruby shook her head with her hooves, swirls appearing in her eyes. Too much information had entered her brain, causing her to almost start freaking out. She had been told that she going to be knighted a week ago, only to suddenly be assigned to a mission many miles away from the Two Sister's Castle. It was an emergency that came out of nowhere from a messenger pony, which she gladly accepted due to what she had heard what the mission was.

But despite this, her brain finally got it together as she knew she had to give her report. Knowing this, she lifted her head up high, a look of pure determination on her face. Then, she did a slight bow as she stated, "Your majesty Princess Luna, I will now give you my report."

"Good. Please, tell us everything." Luna gestured to the jakhowl couple, "After that, we shall tell you the good news."

"Understood." Ruby did a small nod. "Now, as you know, we got a message of a village under attack a week ago. Due to this, I was assigned a squad of thirty soldiers of Princess Celestia's along with myself, which you approved me as leader. As such, I led them to the town and..." She did a long pause, her face now showing both dread and hatred as she slightly glared at Sharp Paw. He could tell from her aura that she didn't want to say her next words, but despite this, she continued, "It was currently taken over by...Dark Mist."

As soon as the name came out of her mouth, the three other faces all turned into scowls, jakhowls now growling as Sharp exclaimed, "DARK MIST?! What was he doing there?!" he turned to Luna with fire in his eyes, "Why didn't you assign me to this mission?!"

"We didn't know it was him." Luna replied instantly, her own glare now piercing his vision. Despite this, it didn't make him falter, but he didn't reply. Seeing this, Luna looked back at Ruby, "What happened? Tell us everything."

Ruby took a deep breath, air filling her lungs as she replied, "Very well. It all started when we arrived just outside of the town..."





Three days ago...

Ruby's face could only show one emotion as she stared at the sight before her. She had seen monsters in this job, she had fought beside Princess Luna against crazed griffons, vicious bugbears and monstrous hydras. Despite this, the being before her was beyond anything she had ever seen.

In front of her and the group of knights she was with was a village of ponies, all in a circle in the town. The village was basic, a barrage of wooden homes, all fitted to similar sizes with the exception of a much larger building in the back of the town, though it was made of wood as well. But that sight wasn't what captivated them. It was the circle in the town, one that made them all gasp. There, the entire village population was bowing before a being sitting on a wooden throne, a chair placed on top of a hill in the middle of the town. Their bowing was mechanical in nature, their bodies repeatedly swaying up and down, showing they had been doing this for hours on end. As for the throne, on the seat was a fully-formed, bipedal Trickster, one that had a long scar down its right eye and three horizontal scars over its chest. The fox was shining a giant grin, his right claw patting a colt beside the throne. The colt had scars down its side, including one cutting down its entire left hoof, and it's form was shivering like a leaf as a stream of blood went down his mane.

"What...is this?" Ruby whispered as the knights behind her slightly backpedaled at the sight.

"Ah, hello knights of Equestria!" the Trickster proclaimed as he raised his claws into the air. "You finally arrived! Tell me, do you like my little village?" He gestured to the villagers, all of them constantly bowing over and over with dead looks in their eyes. "You see? They love me. I am superior to them, after all." The fox's claws went back down, his chin now resting on them as his grin grew, "Now...why are you all here?"

"We're here to save this village!" yelled one of the knights, Ruby turning and glaring at him.

"Stone Guard! Be silent!" Ruby ordered him, only for the solider to slightly backpedal. She took a deep breath and glared back at the throne, "Trickster! We are here to liberate this town from you and your forces! Surrender now or pay the price!"

In response, the Trickster just raised an eyebrow, a small snort coming out of his nostrils. "Oh? And why would I do that? I haven't done anything wrong, and don't have any forces." He gestured to the crowd, "After all, this town is mine! Everything in it is mine! Every pony, house, and life is mine!" His claw gripped the colt, his face contorting in pain. However, he didn't scream in pain. Instead, small tears went down his face as the fox leaned down to his ear, "Tell me, I own you, don't I?"

"You...you do...master." the colt squeaked out, another trickle of blood going down his face.

"Ki ki ki….ki ki ki!" the Trickster laughed, releasing his claw before leaning back in his throne. "Ki ki ki...ki ki ki...ah, that's brilliant! I love this so much! Ki ki ki...ki ki ki!"

"You..." Ruby growled, the other soldiers now all glaring at the fox. But as they did this, the fox just grinned at them.

"Oh please, do you not know who I am?" the Trickster pointed to himself, "After all, I am a being worthy of being worshiped. Why else would they be bowing before me?!"

"We don't who you are Trickster, and we don't care!" Ruby barked back, her horn now sparking. "As I said before, surrender now or we will use force!"

"Tsk tsk tsk...so impatient." he stood up, his claws now reaching for the sky, "All who obey me, tell them my name and worship me!"

And as he said this, the entire village kept bowing as they chanted. "MASTER DARK MIST! MASTER DARK MIST! ALL HAIL MASTER DARK MIST!!!"

The name continued to fill the air, their chanting now reaching every ear. Even Ruby went wide-eyed at this, a small shiver going down her spine. She had heard of this Trickster. He was the leader of the foxes, one that was feared across all of Equestria. His current wanted crime count was suspected to be over a hundred kills, not including arson, larceny, destruction, and too many other crimes to count. That, and he was her best friend Sharp Paw's greatest enemy, one he had spent years to hunt down.

Despite this, her fear soon disappeared as her horn sparked once more, a crystal sword appearing by her side. She pointed it at the fox, a loud piercing order coming out of your lips, "All soldiers! Prepare for battle!"

The yell destroyed their fear in an instance, swords, shields, and spears soon being unsheathed. And as they did this, the fox just giggled at the sight, his form leaning over the throne as he placed his claw on the colt again. "So...you wish to fight me?"

"WE DO!" she barked back, her sword now spinning in her hoof, "Surrender Dark Mist! Surrender right now!"

"Ki ki ki….ki ki ki...so sad." Dark Mist replied, shaking his head. "Seems I got no choice." He leaned back, his paws slowly going behind his head, "Eh, I was getting bored of this place anyways. Guess I gotta move on."

And as these words left his mouth, the fox's face changed. It was no longer one of disappointment or glee, but one that made the soldiers shiver. His eyes became like slits, a dark aura appearing around his body as a black flame encased both of his paws. He looked down at the group, the glare now gracing his face making even Ruby almost backpedal.

It was a look of pure killing intent.

The fox raised its paw, doing a loud snap. With this noise, the tone of his voice turned into one that sounded like a cold, emotionless machine, "All ponies close to the knights, throw yourself at them. Do everything you can to slow them down, I don't care what it is." The villagers all turned around, glaring at the group of soldiers with lifeless, dead eyes. And as they started to charge, a second snap happened, "The rest of you, set this village on fire. Burn everything. Leave nothing standing but ash."

As these two commands exited his mouth, every villager yelled, "YES, MASTER DARK MIST!"

Then, all Tartarus broke loose.

Before any of the soldiers could say anything, the villagers charged like a crowd of rampaging bulls. As this happened, what could only be described as a volley of torches appeared behind the approaching gang of attacking ponies, all ready to destroy the village in one fiery stroke.

"All earth ponies, push them back! Don't hurt them and push them back!" Ruby screamed over the roar of charging villagers, all of the earth pony soldiers immediately pulling up shields or bracing themselves for impact. As they did this, Ruby twisted her head back, "Pegasi, get some rain clouds now! We need water!"

"Yes ma'am!" they yelled before rocketing off to grab the nearest sky structures.

"Unicorns, follow my lead! Destroy any makeshift weapon these villagers have and use sleep spells! We must subdue them now!"

The unicorns followed her lead, a barrage of magic covering the area as it destroyed any weapon it could hit. The earth ponies did the same with their hooves, all quickly pushing the villagers back. They soon found that most of the attackers were starved and weak, making the push easy, but hard to not seriously hurt the controlled ponies.

And as this clash continued to happen, smoke could start to be seen in the village. Ruby saw this and gritted her teeth, her horn continually firing off spells. Seeing that flames were going to eventually surround them, Ruby let out one last order, "I'm going after Dark Mist! If we stop him, these villagers will be broken of his control!" She turned to the earth pony soldier right beside her, "Stone Guard, throw me over this crowd. After that, you're in charge! Subdue these villagers and then take out this fire!"

"Yes ma'am!" He took her hoof and lifted her up over his body, "Good luck!"

"Won't need it. I'm taking that fox down!" Ruby barked back before being flung over the villagers, her horn summoning a small crystal platform in mid-air to help her hop over the chaotic mass. It was here that she landed at the makeshift throne from earlier, only to notice it was now empty. She looked around it, now seeing Dark Mist just off in the distance. He still had the colt with him, the foal being firmly gripped and bleeding in his left claw.

She glanced up and saw Dark Mist's destination, a mansion at the back of the village. The crystal pony quickly raced down the throne's hill, her hooves in full gallop as her horn started to flare. But as she kept increasing speed, she felt a small strain in her head, making her horn stop glowing.

"No...I need as much magic as I can muster when I get to him directly." she said to herself. "Gotta conserve. Gotta win." It was here that she saw Dark Mist enter the mansion, her trot just a minute behind getting there. And as that minute passed, she slammed into the mansion doors, knocking both off their hinges. "DARK MIST! FACE ME, YOU COWARD!"

No response.

Ruby came to a stop as she noticed there was no sound in the building. Granted, her ears could hear the chaos outside, but nothing inside. She could feel a single tear of sweat go down her face as she started racing through the structure, going to each room, only to find nothing. And as she went to the back of the house, now arriving in the dining room of the mansion, her ears picked up a metallic sound.

The sound of a hammer.

She started staring at the room, not seeing a single door since it was just a back room in the house. Despite this, she kept hearing the noise. "Why is there-"

"Seriously?!" interrupted a voice, making Ruby turn to see Dark Mist behind her. It was here that she saw the wall behind him, showing an opened door. But there wasn't a door there before, it was actually a hidden door. Unfortunately, she couldn't be too mystified by the sight, as the fox standing before her was giving a deadly, spine-tingling glare. And with a giant snort, he continued, "You stupid knights really don't know when to quit, do you? I already told them to burn this whole place to the ground! Why try to save it?!"

Ruby grit her teeth as his words, growling at the dark statement, "We'll save everypony in this village and stop you!" Her horn shined as a crystal sword appeared at her side, "Surrender Dark Mist, or face the consequences!"

And as she pointed the blade at the monster, he just shined a cheeky grin, chuckling at the sight, "Ki ki ki...really? And what consequences could you possibly make me face?"

"You would seriously ask that after what you've done?!"

"Oh, I do. After all, I haven't done a single wrong thing in my book." The fox raised his claw next, a massive thick black dark aura covering it, "Now, get out of way. My business with this trash bin of a town is almost done, and I don't need any interruptions."

"Not a chance! You're going down!" Ruby yelled as she fired the blade at the fox...but he didn't dodge. He didn't even try to move his claw as the sword struck his chest. "Wha…"

"Is that it?" Dark Mist asked as he looked down at the sword in his chest, only to see that only the tip of its blade had pierced his skin. His claw touched the sword, shattering it with a single tap.

"Im...impossible." Ruby gasped as she saw her weapon disappear.

"Surprised?" Dark Mist replied as he glanced back up at her, the aura that surrounded his claw now consuming his entire body, "That is my power. I am Dark Mist, a superior being compared to you." He raised both claws, both now filled with darkness yet again. "Now, leave me be. I don't have time for you."

Ruby could feel several tears of sweat going down her face, fear clenching her heart as she stared at the fox. But as she stared at him...her horn started to glow. Before she could do anything, a multitude of crystal blades surrounded her being, all pointing at the beast in front of her.

"I'll never give up Dark Mist! You will not win!" Ruby screamed as her horn flared, all the blades leaning back as she readied to fire them, "I will beat you, and you will-"

SHING!

"Gurgh-ck!" Ruby yelped as she felt her back slam into the wall behind her, a claw now clenching her neck, strangling her. The blades she was about to fire were now dust on the floor, her eyes twitching as she felt her body slowly being raised up. She could no longer feel the ground with her hooves, her face cringing as she felt pain all over.

Dark Mist was now holding her by the neck with one claw, pushing her into the wall with ease. The fox just shook his head, "I told you, I'm superior." His grip tightened, causing a tiny yelp to come out of her mouth, "Did you really think you could beat me? I've spent I don't know how many days sucking the aura out of these 'ponies' here. I have more power to spare than I could ever want right now."

Ruby's horn started to make sparks as he monologued, but Dark's grip increased again, making it stop. "Oh no you don't. I won't let you-"

"Master!" interrupted another voice, making Dark turn and glare at its owner. It was the colt from before, his form shivering like a leaf.

"What?! Why are you interrupting my fun?!"

"It...it is finished."

Dark Mist's glare instantly disappeared, a giant grin now shining on his face. "Oh, is it now? Good..." He turned back to Ruby, slowly leaning up to her and whispering, "Thanks for the entertainment. You serve Princess Luna, right? Tell her I did all of this, this...so-called 'town' and its suffering, its despair, its agony...its all because of them. I did this because she and those jakhowl exist. I will win. Both against her and Sharp Paw."

With that, he slung her across the room like a ragdoll, the unicorn letting out a pained cry as she fell to the floor, slumping over as tears of pain started to appear in her eyes. But despite this, she quickly started to try and get up, her head slowly lifting up. And as she tried to do this, she saw Dark Mist disappear into the hidden door. Her hooves shook in pure pain as she tried to get up, a moan coming next as she started to stand up.

"Ugh...ohh….I gotta…"

"Ki ki ki...ki ki ki! YES! At last!" laughed Dark Mist behind the hidden door. Before she could do anything, the fox walked out of the door, his claw now holding a small dark red gem in his fingers. Ruby could only blink at the sight as Dark Mist continued to laugh, "Ki ki ki...ki ki ki! With this, I've won! I've won! Ki ki ki...ki ki ki!"

Then, he turned and glared down at Ruby. The sight made a shiver go down her spine, the look on his face now showing nothing but malice....combined with joy.

"I'm done little knight. All's well that ends well."

With that, he put the gem in his long charcoal mane and went to a nearby window, his claw smashing it to bit with a single strike. The sight was the last she saw of the fox, his form leaving the house like it was nothing. And as she tried to follow him, her form struggling to stand up, she heard the sounds of crying behind her. Looking back at the hidden door, she went in and found two ponies at the end of some hidden stairs. There, a large forge rested with a stallion and the colt from earlier. The stallion was bare bones, obviously overworked with little food or water, and was hugging the colt. She could figure out that it was the colt's father, which after a few moments, she helped them out of the room.

It wasn't long till Ruby left that mansion with the colt and his father. It turned out, the father was also the mayor of the village, who ended up getting manipulated by Dark Mist first. Thanks to this, Dark Mist quickly overtook the village. As for what he was making for the fox, all he knew is that it was a gem. The mayor used to be a jeweler, but didn't know why or how the fox could even use the jewel to do anything. He just said that the gem was just that...a gem. Ruby wasn't convinced, but she knew he wasn't lying.

As for the everypony else, Dark Mist's control disappeared as soon as he left the town. Ruby found that no solider was in critical condition despite the villagers attacking them, having successfully put them to sleep or subdue with little harm done. Only Ruby had real injuries, though as the villager count happened, they found they did lose a few lives to the fires and smoke. Despite all their attempts to save everypony, there were also villagers that died due to what Dark Mist had done before all of this. As such, the soldiers and Ruby left the village enpty-hoofed and broken, the villain having got away.





"And that...concludes my report."

Luna, Sharp Paw and Calm Paw just stood there, speechless as Ruby shivered in place. She could feel the tears about to appear in her eyes as she finished telling the tale of her failure. As for the rest, the jakhowls gave each other a glance, Calm Paw now showing more despair on her face while Sharp's expression twisted into one of pure anger.

"Dark Mist...you monster." he hissed as a blue flame consumed both of his paws. "I can't believe this...you..."

"Oh...oh Ruby..." Calm whimpered as she went up and hugged the crystal pony. This was followed by Luna, both hugging her as tightly as they could.

Ruby barely embraced back, her whole form shaking as she whispered, "Thank you..."

"No need to thank us my friend." Luna added as she patted Ruby on the back, "No need to thank us at all." Luna glanced up and glared at Sharp, "Sharp, please...join us."

Sharp snapped back into reality at these words, the flames in his paws instantly dying down. Hearing this command, he muttered out, "Sorry." With that, he joined the hug as well.

The embrace continued for another few minutes, tears now flowing down Ruby's face before Luna let go. The other two followed this, the princess tapping Ruby's shoulder to get her attention. Feeling this, Ruby stared up at Luna, a huge frown on her face, "Princess...I'm sorry. I...after that, I don't deserve to be-"

"Stop." Luna interrupted as she placed her hoof on Ruby's lips. "Don't say another word. Just nod or shake your head at my next question. Okay?" Ruby gave a silent nod. "Good. Now, do you regret failing this mission?" Another nod. "And do you wish to still fight, to do whatever it takes to protect others as you vowed to me when you first became my student?" Another nod. "And...do you wish to be with Princess Amore? To help her...and Sombra?" A blush came first before another nod. "Good."

Luna turned away, gesturing them to follow her. It was here that they left the hallway, now entering a throne room. To the side were several jakhowl, all in attendant wear as they were carrying various things around. They all bowed to the princess as she went to the throne, her horn glowing as a box from behind the chair levitated over the furniture. She soon opened it with her magic, revealing a long jet black blade with a moon symbol at the hilt.

"I have this blade prepared when I train a Royal Knight. I don't get to knight the student, so I had this made for...my own ceremony." She turned back to Ruby, a proud smile on her face, "Ruby, come forward and bow." The knight did so, the tips of her mane now touching the floor, "Though you will be truly knighted when Princess Amore comes to greet my sister, I wish to do my own as well. Do you accept this?"

"I do."

The blade tapped both of her shoulders as Luna announced, "Arise, Ruby Scarlet. Though I do not chose your title, you are now a Royal Knight in my name."

The sword left her shoulder as Ruby looked up, a small smile now appearing on her face, "Thank you, your majesty."

Luna put the sword by her side and winked, "But of course. Now..." She glanced at Calm Paw, "Before we really celebrate, which Ruby will end up doing again back at my sister's place, I believe you have some good news?"

Calm Paw nodded with a giant smile, tears now flowing down her cheeks, "Ruby...um...the news is...uh..."

"What?" Ruby asked as she tilted her head at her old jakhowl friend. "What is it Calm?"

"I'm...I'm pregnant."

Ruby let out a gasp, putting her hooves over her mouth, "Really?! Calm Paw...you're..."

Calm nodded again. "Yes. Me and Sharp are...are having...our own little jakhowl. I...I wanted to tell you first. Well, after Princess Luna, of course."

Tears started to appear in Ruby's eyes again as she let out a squeal, "Oh my gosh! You're gonna have a little jakhowl!" She ran up and hugged the jakhowl, the two laughing as Luna and Sharp shared a smirk. Before they knew it, Ruby and Calm pulled them into the hug as well, all four now laughing with tears of joy going down their faces.

And as these friends all hugged each other, there were seven figures watching the scene. They were all ponies, three pegasi, two earth ponies, one unicorn, and an alicorn. The group were all watching with curiosity and confusion, some rubbing their chins in thought while the others just glumly frowned at the sight.

"I don't understand." a purple alicorn spoke up first as she looked at her companions, "What is this? Just...what are we watching?"
> The Awakening
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


"To wake up means you accept you are there, alive and awake to take on the day. What happens afterward is your life."

- Unknown


About thirty minutes ago...

"Uhhh...ohhh....my head." mumbled one orange pegasi as he rubbed his noggin. "Wha…" His hoof dragged itself down his face, a moan following as his eyes started to blink open, "Urgh…"

It was here that he fully opened his eyes, his lids blinking rapidly as he started to look at his surroundings. He now saw that he was in a long vast grassy field, complete with a shining blue sky above him. "What the..." He rubbed his hoof on the left side of his face, "I don't know what this is, but I better have my wings back."

A quick glance at his back showed his wings were now on his body. Normally, he would have been happy about this, but fate decided otherwise. As his eyes stared at his feathery back extensions, he saw something else in the corner of his eyes. It was six other ponies, all laying down, unconscious on those grass filled plains. Soon recognizing them as his friends, he let out a yelp before hopping to the first mare, a purple alicorn. "Twilight! Twilight, are you okay?! Please wake up!" he cried as he tapped her side, the mare responding with a tiny yawning sigh.

"Uuuhhhh...no Flash, I wanna read..." she groaned as her hoof pushed his hoof aside.

Rolling his eyes, Flash let out a snort, "I'm pretty sure that means you're fine. Wake up Twilight, I'm gonna check on the others, alright?"

A few minutes later, the seven were now fully awake, all stretching as Twilight asked, "Okay...what's going on Flash? Where are we? I thought we left Canterlot High and we were going back to the castle."

"No idea Twi." Flash replied as he helped the final pony up, "You okay Applejack?"

"Ah'm fine." Applejack moaned as she patted her head, "Hm? Where's mah hat?"

"Err...I don't know. You weren't wearing it when we all woke up....wherever we are." Flash added as he walked back up to Twilight, "And if you're wondering Twilight, I don't remember how we got here."

"Same." Twilight growled as she turned to the others, "How about the rest of you? Remember how we got here?"

"No darling." Rarity replied first.

Fluttershy nodded in agreement, "I don't know either."

Pinkie just waved at the others, "Nope! Nothing here!"

"That ain't good sugarcubes." Applejack added as she rubbed her mane, "Ah don't like this, do you Rainbow?"

Rainbow shook her head, "Nope." She then flapped her wings, only to see she couldn't fly, "And why can't I fly right now...and why is there no wind?!"

Flash tried to fly as well, but quickly understood what Rainbow meant. "Figures. I get my wings back, and now I can't fly. Just my luck."

"Oh suck it up, meathead." Twilight barked back, "There's more pressing issues right now than you not being able to use your wings."

"You're just saying that cuz you barely use 'em!" Flash countered, only for Rarity to walk between them.

"That's enough you two. Before you two get into an argument, we need to find out where we are."

The duo sighed, but nodded at this as Twilight spoke up, "Okay, let's start with this: what does everypony remember before we got here? I know me and Flash we're going through the portal...only to wake up here. What about the rest of you?"

The five all shared a glance, glum frowns on each face as Rarity replied, "Hate to say it darling, but all I remember is that we were in the castle, I was applying some makeup, and...well, next thing I knew, I went to sleep. I don't know why I did, but-"

"We all did. We were all in that 'bunch of thrones' room, and ah was bringing in some food from the farm...then ah was asleep. At least ah think ah was." Applejack interrupted with crossed hooves, "Does everypony remember the same thing happening?" The five gave worried glances, confirming the farmer's thoughts, "That ain't good."

"Yeah. I was reading Daring Do, then...nothing." Rainbow added with a grimace. "Why would I fall asleep while reading Daring?"

"Its not just that." Fluttershy said next while rubbing her chin in thought, "I remember I was about to help Iron with something...then nothing."

"Wait, Iron was with you all?" Flash asked, getting five nods back. "So...if he was, why isn't he here?"

"Maybe its only us Elements of Harmony?" Pinkie chimed in, "I mean, I was preparing a special 'Welcome back from being weird monkey creatures' party for you two before this whole 'fell asleep and woke up in this mysterious field' thing."

"Hmm...you might be right Pinkie." Twilight admitted as she stared at the field around them, "I mean, it is only us here right now. That alone symbolizes something..."

"Though before we get to that, we'll still be having that party, right?" Flash asked, getting a nod from Pinkie. "Awesome! I so need some cake after that fight with the Sirens."

"Focus meathead." Twilight grumbled as she crossed her hooves, "We need to figure this out first."

"I know." Flash replied, only to hear Fluttershy let out a gasp. Seeing this, Flash asked, "Fluttershy? Is something wrong?"

"Um...I'm not sure. I'm not seeing anything, right? Look!" She pointed past the group, causing them all to turn and see a figure in the distance. "Everypony seeing that?"

"Yeah, I think we do." Flash replied as he blinked at the figure, turning back to Twilight, "Think we should go say hello? Maybe they know where we are."

"Sounds good to me. Better than just standing here." Applejack added as she walked past the others, "Let's go ask 'em."

The seven soon trotted over the fields, slowly approaching the figure. It was here that they saw it was a cloaked pony, though one that didn't seem to notice their presence. Despite this, Flash quickly raced in front of the pack and yelled out, "Hello there! Could we ask you something?"

But there was no response. The cloaked figure just kept walking, ignoring Flash's question. Flash turned to his companions, asking, "Um...was I not loud enough?"

Twilight shook her head, "I think you were...but maybe I should I try." The princess took a deep breath, "Hello?! We're currently lost, and would like to ask for directions!"

The group blinked at the figure once again as it didn't respond. It just kept walking, ignoring all seven ponies. The sight made Rarity let out a huff, "How rude! Is that pony even listening?!"

"Maybe they can't hear us...or they don't like talking." Fluttershy suggested, making Rainbow roll her eyes.

"That's still rude Shy. Here, I'll go stop this pony." Rainbow declared as she walked in front of the figure, raising her hoof, "Hey! We're talking to you!" But the figure just kept walking, making a vein pop on Rainbow's face, "Hey! Are you listening to-"

But her next words stopped right before leaving her throat, her eyes going wide as the next sight shocked everypony else. As Rainbow flashed her hoof to stop the figure...it walked right through the athlete like it was nothing. The pegasi had a shiver go down her spine as she saw the pony phase right through her, their bodies not even touching as the figure went through her like a ghost.

"Uhhh….huh?!" Rainbow gasped out as the other started to backpedal.

"What the heck?! What did you just do Rainbow?!" Flash immediately asked, only to get a terrified face from Rainbow in response.

"I...don't know." she muttered out, the others all blinking in disbelief at the sight.

As this happened, Twilight glanced back at the now walking away figure, making her quickly trot of the cloaked pony. Here, she reached out her hoof, "Wait! Please don't-" But her mouth came to a stop as well as the hoof went right through the pony's side. "Eep!"

"Whoa..." Flash added as he blinked at Twilight's hoof going through the cloak like it was nothing. He glanced at the other girls, all now seeing fear on their faces. The sight alone made his stomach slightly turn, which his brain told him to react to this...which ended up making them even more scared.

"Hey! Come back here!" he yelled as he ran up to the cloaked pony....only to run right through the pony. "Whoa!" A series of gasps came out again as he turned around and tried to touch the cloaked pony's face, only for it go through it again. "What the heck?! Why can't I touch you?!"

The girls all shared a glance at this, Twilight doing a small gulp, "Um...girls? I don't like the looks of this. Its like...we're ghosts."

"GHOSTS?!" Rarity shrieked, "Wha….what do you mean Twilight?!"

"Um...well, I can't think of anything else." She pointed at the still walking cloaked pony, "Girls, all of you try to touch that pony." They all responded and did so, only for the same results. Seeing this, Twilight showed a worried frown, "I thought so. I...don't know how, but-"

"Twilight! Ah can't be dead!" Applejack interrupted as pure horror now showed itself on her face, "Ah still need to make sure the Apple family has a next generation! Ah can't leave it to Big Mac! That oblivious stallion won't ever seduce a mare!"

"Now hold on Applejack-"

"And I can't be dead Twilight!" Rainbow exclaimed next, "Daring Do is gonna do another book next month! I've been doing a marathon leading up to its release and I still gotta read it!"

"I just finished another fashion line!" Rarity added as she started nibbling her hooves, "I...I still need to see if they can be approved by Sapphire Shores!"

"I was just suggesting-"

"Ah haven't taught Applebloom about the birds and the bees yet!" Applejack interrupted again, "Ah can't leave that to Granny Smith or Big Mac! Not after..." her body shivered like a leaf, "The 'Grape Family Incident'."

"Girls, if you give me a moment-"

"Oh, poor Iron and Angel Bunny!' Fluttershy cried as tears started to go down her face, "I left them all alone!"

The alicorn's eyebrows started to twitch as veins popped on her forehead. Sucking in a deep breath, her Royal Canterlot Voice started to release itself, "THAT'S ENOUGH! EVERYPONY, BE QUIET!!!" The yell made the girls all hop in place, all shutting up instantly. Seeing this, Twilight let out a long sigh, "Thank you. Now, the ghost thing was just a theory, and-"

"HOLY CRAP!" Flash exclaimed, making everypony hop in place again.

That is, except Twilight as annoyance covered her face, "Flash...I told you to be quiet-"

But her words stopped as she glared at the defender, only to see that he had fell onto his flank in front of the cloaked pony, a look of pure shock on his face. "Flash? What's wrong?"

He slowly raised his hoof at the pony as it walked past him, his mouth barely moving as he muttered out, "That pony...its Ruby Scarlet!"

"Ruby Scarlet?! What are you talking about?!" Twilight yelped as she walked up to him, staring at the still walking away pony, "Wait, that's Ruby?! Why would she be here?"

"I don't know, but I looked under the cloak and...she's young."

"Young?!" everypony exclaimed, Twilight quickly racing past him as she went in front of the cloaked pony, her head leaning under the cloak's hood. There, her eyes went wide as she saw the face of the Crystal Knight...but something was wrong. Her face was a tiny bit smaller, her horn maybe just a millimeter smaller, but Twilight knew it wasn't the normal size. Not only that, her hair was shorter than usual, her mane just going a little under her ears.

"It...it is Ruby. But, if she looks like that-"

"We're not ghosts, are we?" Flash finished for her as the two glanced at each other, both completing each others' thoughts.

"We're in the past." Twilight responded as she looked back at the still walking away pony, "That's why we can't touch her. We don't exist here."

"Wait! Hang on there sugarcube!" Applejack piped in, "Mind telling us what you're going on about?!"

Flash and Twilight both stared back at the girls, Twilight sighing, "This scenario...its just like when me and Flash used that Past Potion Zecora gave us a while back. We see the past, but we're unable to do anything."

"So...that's why our hooves went right through her?"

Twilight nodded. "That's right Rarity. The magic makes you a bystander of the past."

"Which begs the next question..." Flash added with crossed hooves, "How did we get here...and why?"

The group all stared at each other, no answer coming to mind. That is, till Fluttershy let out a gasp. "Hmm? What's up Fluttershy?"

She pointed past the girls, "Look!" They all turned and saw a new sight. It was Ruby now finally coming to a halt, only to stare across the green fields at another cloaked figure.

"Well, at least she stopped moving." Rainbow commented as she looked back at where they originally were. "We followed her for quite a while. But, who's that?"

Flash and Fluttershy both stared at the figure, the two sharing a glance as Flash said, "If its what I think it is...its not a pony."

"What is it?"

Flash crossed his hooves, "That cloaked thing is bipedal, and since it looks like Ruby is meeting it and its the past....it could only one thing." He turned to the others as his face showed a bit of worry, "Its a jakhowl."

"A jakhowl? How are you so sure?"

Flash did a small sigh, "Let's just say when we went on that mission to Omniara, Ruby showed Springer that she had a...history with jakhowls."

"Hmmm...interesting." Twilight added as she rubbed her chin at the sight, "If that's the case Flash, why are we being shown this? You're the only one that has a connection to a jakhowl."

"I am..." Flash admitted as he glanced at his friends, "But we are the elements, right? Isn't that why we're usually put together in these situations?"

"True...but-"

"I think we should stop debating for now darling." Rarity interrupted as she pointed at Ruby, "It seems they're about to start talking."

"Good idea. Let's listen." Twilight replied as they walked up to the pony and jakhowl facing each other. And as they watched, the jakhowl was the first to speak up.

"About time you showed up."

Ruby chuckled under her breath. "Heh, don't tell me you were waiting. I bet you were just sleeping standing up."

"Tch...smart-mouthed as usual, I see." the jakhowl barked back as it lifted a limb upward, only to its black paw that was soon consumed in blue flames. The fire started to morph and extend out a bone-shaped weapon. "Perhaps I should test you first. See if you're ready to face her."

"A Bone Breaker." Flash commented as he watched Ruby pulled her hood back and summoned a long crystal sword with her horn. "And that's definitely Ruby's magic....but where's her necklace?"

Rarity gasped at Flash's comment, "You're right! Was she making some kind of different fashion statement in the past? I always thought that necklace worked so well with her."

Flash shook his head, "No, not that. That was her version of Celestic Gear. She called it, um...the Crysal Promise. At least, I think that's what it was called."

"So this must be earlier in her journey to be a Royal Knight." Twilight continued for Flash as the duo started to fight, the group all gasping at the skill between the two. "Though I have to say, she seems ready."

"No kidding..." Flash admitted as he traced the battle with his eyes, now noticing he couldn't use Theta Mode here. However, it didn't matter, as he found he could still mostly follow the blows between the jakhowl's Bone Breaker and Ruby's blades. "Ruby was intense back then. Though I gotta say, that jakhowl is no slouch either."

It was here that the battle suddenly came to a stop as Ruby had a three-pronged claw under her neck while an energy bone was just centimeters away from her horn. At the same time, the jakhowl had the end of two crystal spears on either side of his neck, and a crystal blade at his stomach.

Then...they just stood there, unmoving. Seeing this, Rainbow raised an eyebrow, "Uh...are they okay?"

"Don't know sugarcube." Applejack commented, "Ah mean, they're just standin' there."

Flash shook his head again, "No, that's not it. They both can't move right now."

"They can't? Why not?"

"Because they're stuck. The stances they're in will destroy each other in an instant." Flash saw glances of confusion staring at him, causing him to sigh, "It means that whoever moves first, loses. Its battle of patience, as whoever moves first will also show a opening for the other, but they could also not move and see who's stamina will last." It was here that Flash saw a look from Twilight he usually called: 'You're being reckless again', in which he responded, "Its something Grand taught me. If you don't like it, take it up with him."

"I will. One of the benefits of being a princess." Twilight grumbled as she looked back at the duo, the second minute now passing, "But...why would they be that lethal between each other? They didn't seem to be that against each other at the start."

"I don't know, but I have a feeling it'll end soon." Flash ended as the third minute was about to start. And as it did, they saw the two start to laugh, the bone and crystal weapons now vanishing as the duo turned into a giggle fest. "See? What did I tell you?"

The others all smiled at this, Twilight commenting, "Huh...they do look like friends now."

And as those words left her mouth, the jakhowl spoke up, "Ahahahaha!!! Well done! You've improved yet again!" the jakhowl started patting the mare on the back, "You've come a long way, Ruby Scarlet!"

"Heh...thanks Sharp Paw." Ruby replied as she gave him a hug, "And you're still the toughest jakhowl around."

"SHARP PAW?!" Flash yelped, the others hopping in place as his outburst. "That's Sharp Paw?!"

"Flash? What's wrong?" Twilight glanced between Flash and the duo, "Who's Sharp Paw?"

"Well...I don't know much about him but..." Flash rubbed the side of his head as he replied, "Springer told me that Princess Luna talked about him back when they went to Appleloosa. He said Sharp Paw was her jakhowl partner back in the day."

"Really? Wow..." Twilight put a hoof over her mouth, "To think, a jakhowl that was partnered with a princess. But if that's true, and the fact that Ruby is here....we're seeing something that's over a thousand years ago!"

"Seriously?! Tarnation, that's a long time ago." Applejack commented as they watched Ruby and Sharp Paw start to walk away, "Looks like they're heading off. Figure we should follow 'em?"

"Let's. We need to figure out why we're here after all." Twilight responded as the others nodded, the group quickly following the leaving duo.





A little later...

"Whoa...what's this place?" Flash asked as the group walked up to what looked like a small castle.

"I don't know. It doesn't look familiar." Twilight replied as they walked up to the castle's gates. "But the banners on the sides of the castle...they're not Princess Celestia's."

"Wait...I thought Ruby originally studied as a knight in Equestria. Are we not in Equestria?"

"Well Flash, since this is the past-"

"Oh my goodness!" Fluttershy interrupted, her voice letting out a squee. The others turned to her, only to see stars in her eyes as she exclaimed, "They're all so cute!"

"Huh?" the others all traced her eyesight, only to see a whole group of young jakhowl now hugging Ruby, all of them cheering her name. And as the others girls all 'aww'd' at the sight, Flash just blinked, "Whoa...that's a lot of Springers. Heck, a bunch are smaller than him!"

"Oh, I can't believe how many there are! I wanna hug them all!" Fluttershy squeed as she hopped at the group surrounding Ruby...only to flop right through them. Seeing this, she let out a long sigh, "Oh...right."

The others giggled as Flash helped her up, Twilight soon directing them to follow Ruby as the knight started to make her way into the castle. Getting ahead of the knight for a second, they were surprised to see both Luna and another jakhowl, this one being called Calm Paw. Twilight soon asked Flash if he knew that one from Luna or Ruby, but he just shook his head.

"Interesting. I wonder if Springer will ever have a mate." Twilight commented as they listened to Ruby and Calm Paw talk.

Flash just shrugged, "No idea. We haven't met another jakhowl, remember? Besides...wait-what did Luna just say?"

"You failed the mission." Luna declared as Ruby kneeled, her form shivering like crazy. "I know the mission was a failure Ruby. That's why I asked my sister to have you return here before going to castle."

"So this is some separate castle for just Princess Luna." Twilight added before Flash shushed her as Luna told Ruby she was glad that the mission had happened. She told Ruby she was still going to be knighted, which gave Ruby her confidence back, which Ruby did a small bow.

"Your majesty Princess Luna, I will now give you my report."

And as those words left her mouth, the world around the seven started to shift. The floor beneath them started to look hazy, as if it was made of static. "What is..." Flash tried to say, only to feel a tingle down his spine. It was here he turned to Twilight with a small grimace, "Twilight, is this?"

"Yeah, I think its like the potion from before. We saw the fight with Discord, then we were suddenly in front of the tree..." Twilight replied before giving the others a strong glare, "Everypony, braces yourselves! I'll explain in a second what's happening!"





The world became a sudden flash of light around the seven, making them all close their eyes. And as they reopened them, they gasped as they saw the new sight. No longer were they at the castle. Instead, they were now at a small rustic village, which all of its citizens were now at the middle of the town. But it wasn't just this sight that surprised them. It was the fact that a group of soldiers were now just outside of the town, complete with one Ruby Scarlet.

"What the heck?! What just happened?!" Rainbow yelped as she shook her head.

"I think we just hopped to Ruby's failed mission." Flash answered for her, "And if you're wondering, the past potion stuff does this. When we used it last, it hopped us around to different events in the past."

"So we're now seeing a few days ago?"

"Probably." Flash admitted as he looked back at the town, only to go wide-eyed as he stared at the middle of the town. There, all the citizens were bowing before a makeshift throne, one that had a creature that made every nerve in his body tingle. "Oh no...don't tell me..."

"What? What is it Flash?" Twilight asked as she saw the fear now appear on his face.

Flash just raised his hoof at the throne, "I uh...I think I know who that is. And if I'm right...its really really bad."

They all just turned to the throne, most blinking as Rarity let out a yelp of disgust, "Ugh. What is that creature?! Its hideous!"

"That's a Trickster Rarity." Flash immediately replied, Twilight hopping in place at the response.

"Th-that's a Trickster?! Like, Springer's mortal enemy Shade?!" Twilight asked as she pointed at the fox. "I thought it was just a small fox."

"Yeah, that's a Trickster's version of its battle form. Though if I'm a betting colt...that's definitely not Shade, but something way worse considering what I've heard from Ruby."

"And what would that be?"

"Let's just watch and see." Flash responded as he pointed at the fox, only to for the group to see the crowd of ponies start chanting: 'MASTER DARK MIST! MASTER DARK MIST! ALL HAIL MASTER DARK MIST!!!' Hearing this, Flash let out a sigh, "I was afraid of that."

"Dark Mist?" Twilight glanced back at Flash, seeing a tinge of fear and worry now on his face, "Who is that?"

"A monster from Ruby's era." Flash replied with crossed hooves, "I don't know anything else. Let's just watch the rest of this."

Nodding in agreement, the other six started to watch the remaining part of the scene. There, they saw Dark Mist command the village ponies to basically destroy themselves and their town, the soldiers now trying everything to save them. As this happened, they followed Ruby as she chased down Dark Mist, only to lose in the confrontation. The battle alone made them grimace and flinch at the pain Ruby was dealt as Dark Mist easily beat her. Flash was hit the worst as he saw his friend get beaten by a foe that he couldn't do a thing about. And as Dark Mist got away, the scene began to flicker like it did when it first started.

"Looks like that's it. I'm guessing we'll be going back to Ruby and Princess Luna next." Flash commented as a bright light started to form around them. "Geez...no wonder Ruby was so negative when we first met her."





The Mane Seven were now back in front of Luna and Ruby, now seeing Luna and Calm paw hug the knight. All seven frowned at the sight, a few sniffing at the sight. There, they saw Sharp Paw join the hug before the broke the embrace. There, Calm Paw gave them the news she was pregnant, which made Rarity and Fluttershy gasp.

"Wow! That's one big smile on Ruby's face!" Pinkie exclaimed as the others giggled at her comment.

That is, except Twilight. Instead, she just blinked and sighed, "But...I still don't get it."

"Get what?"

"This!" Twilight exclaimed as she pointed at the scene, "Why are we being shown this?!"

"Um..."

Twilight just shook her head. "I don't understand. What is this? Just...what are we watching?"

But as those words left her mouth, the scene started to flicker again. And as it did, they all tried to say something, only to be consumed by a flash of light.





"Okay, I'm gonna go blind if this keeps up." Flash grumbled as he rubbed his eyes. "Everypony okay?"

"Ah'm fine." Applejack mumbled as she rubbed her face, the others growling in agreement. And as the farmer rapidly blinked to get her vision back into focus, she saw that there were still in the same castle, but nopony was around. "Hmm? Where is everypony?"

"And what happened to Ruby?" Flash asked as he got his vision back as well.

Thump!

Everypony turned their heads to the sudden sound, only to see Princess Luna. She had slammed the front doors of the castle open, and her form was something that made the others flinch. Her mane was messy, tears flowing down her face with small bruises and scrapes down her body. A giant frown was gracing her face, and her hooves trotted like no tomorrow, zooming past the gang in an instant. The group quickly nodded at each other and followed, soon seeing Calm Paw as she also now saw how Princess Luna was.

"Your majesty? What's-"

"Leave me be!" Luna interrupted as she went past her, her horn flashing as she opened another door with her magic, "No one is to enter my bedchamber. No one!"

SLAM!

"Whoa...what happened?" Flash asked as they watched Calm Paw walk up to the door, a huge worried frown on her face.

"Your majesty, what happened? What's wrong?" Calm softly said as she tapped the door, "Your majesty?"

"Don't bother Calm." answered a new voice, making everypony turn to see Sharp Paw enter the room. "She will not be coming out for some time."

"Sharp!" Calm exclaimed before running up and hugging him, the two embracing for a small second.

And as the loving gesture ended, Calm spoke up, "What's wrong with Princess Luna? Did...did something happen with the mission?" She started fiddling her paws, "I mean, I know you all had to suddenly go on that mission to the Crystal Empire when Ruby showed up." The jakhowl let out a low sigh, "Oh...I wish I could have saw her. Why was I stuck here at the time?!"

Sharp Paw grimaced at those words, a low gulp going down his throat. His mate's ears heard this, making her eyes turn into a glare. Seeing this, Sharp flashed his palms, "Don't. I'll explain. Its just...hard."

Calm crossed her arms, "Good. What happened? You don't give that expression unless something really bad happened."

"It did." Sharp immediately replied, "We...lost the empire. Including Ruby."

Calm's eyes went wide, her mouth gaping at the information, "Wha….WHAT?! What do you mean you lost the empire and Ruby?! What happened?!"

"Its...gone. I don't know how else to explain it." Sharp did a small sigh as he looked away, "Ruby went in to confront Sombra and...the empire disappeared. Princess Celestia said it was some spell Sombra had prepared."

"That's...that's..." Calm started to backpedal, Sharp grabbing her before she could fall over. Seeing the shock now on her face, he lead her to a chair as she continued, "I don't...why?! How?!"

"I don't know. We don't know why Sombra did this or how he did it..." Sharp replied as he sat down in a nearby chair, "Its...not easy to say, especially since Ruby just got stationed there a few months ago. I...I lost a great comrade, just I like I know you lost-"

"It was her life's dream to be there, even though I knew she hated leaving Princess Luna..." Calm interrupted before glancing at Luna's door. "No wonder Princess Luna was like that. She must be devastated." She put her paw to her forehead as tears started to flow down her face, "I...Ruby...oh Ruby..."

Sharp Paw's ears flopped down as he saw his mate cry, his form quickly going over and hugging her. Silence followed as their embrace continued, only for another jakhowl to walk up to them. This one was an adult like them, though she was wearing a white gown and hat. She did a small bow before speaking up, "Lady Calm. It is ready."

"Hmm?" Calm responded as she slowly opened her eyes, water blocking them. "Oh...right." She released her hug and wiped her eyes, "Sharp...I forgot to tell you. Um...it happened while you were gone."

"I figured as much. You're up and running compared to how you were a few days ago." Sharp replied as he turned to the other jakhowl, "Where is it? Could you bring it to us?"

"Of course. One second Chief Sharp." the jakhowl did another bow, soon turning to leave the room. A minute later, she walked in with a rolling tray which had a pile of straw on it. On top of the straw was a large egg, which was a soft black on top with a zigzag pattern on the end while the bottom was a navy blue color. The top of the egg also a golden ring pattern with blue in the middle of it. "Here it is."

"Oh...its beautiful." Sharp gasped as he walked up to the egg, rubbing it with one of his paws, "The aura...its strong inside this little one." Tears began to go down his face as he looked back at his mate, "This...this is ours, isn't it?"

"It is." Calm responded as she did a small nod, more tears going down her face. "I...I had the egg right after you all left. You...you just missed it. Both you, Princess Luna and Ruby."

"Oh Calm...I'm so sorry." Sharp replied as he hugged her again, "I should have never-"

"Stop." Calm interrupted as she put her paw over his mouth, "Don't say those words. You had to leave and help Princess Luna. Instead..." she leaned closer as she took the paw away, "You should be doing something else."

"You're right." Sharp admitted, only to lean in kiss her. The two started to length the loving embrace, both holding each other as the sight made Mane Seven blush, Rarity fanning herself with her hoof.

"Awww...how sweet." Fluttershy commented as her face showed a tomato red blush.

"Agreed." Twilight added as she rubbed her chin at the sight. "So...this is a few months after Ruby became a knight, but right after Sombra sealed away the empire."

"Yeah. I don't think that's a good thing though." Flash finished as they saw the jakhowls finish their loving moment.

"Sharp?" Calm slowly asked.

"Yes my love?"

"I was thinking...maybe we should show this to Princess Luna." Calm suggested as she pointed to her egg, "Maybe this will help her. I mean, I know she just came back, but-"

Sharp just shrugged as he interrupted, "Its worth a try."

The two started to roll the tray to the bedchamber room, the Mane Seven following them. As they did this, Fluttershy and Twilight fiercely stared at the egg. "Amazing...so this is a jakhowl egg. I've never seen any kind of egg that looked like this in my books."

"Oh, I wish I could touch it." Fluttershy added with a hoof over her mouth, "It must be so warm."

The others just rolled their eyes at the interactions, all soon arriving the bedchamber door. There, they saw Sharp and Calm knock the door, only to hear Luna call out, "Leave me be!"

"Princess Luna..." Calm slowly replied, her tone gentle and low, "I...we need to show you something."

"Leave me be!" Luna barked back, her voice slightly trembling. It was here that the group went through the bedroom walls, all now seeing a tear-filled Luna sitting on her bed. The sight made them all flinch and frown, sadness on all their faces.

"Oh, poor Princess Luna." Fluttershy whimpered out, only for Twilight to shush her as they heard the jakhowls speak up again.

"Princess Luna...I want to show you something I wanted to show Ruby." Calm barely said, her words slight mumbles. But it was enough, as the alicorn's ears twitched upwards as she stared at the door. "Please...please, come and see it. Please..."

Though they weren't looking at the jakhowls now, they could tell Calm was crying again. Despite this though, Luna slowly got up, her hooves shivering as her whole face dripped of water. Her mane flopped down, just bare magic in her hair as they sagged while she stumbled over to the door. The alicorn's horn started to flicker, magic slowly turning the doorknob as her head peeked out, "What is it? What did you...what did you want Ruby to see?"

The Mane Seven went through the wall so they could see the whole scene, all gasping as Calm picked up her egg and gave it to Luna. "This...this is our jakhowl your majesty. I had the egg while you were all gone. We...we wanted you to see it, just like Ruby."

Luna's eyes went wide. Her whole form went silent as she saw the egg, her hooves trembling as she leaned down to the sphere. Tears began to flow again, waterfalls forming as she tapped the egg, feeling its warmth. "Calm...this is..."

"Yes, I know." Calm interrupted as she held her egg tight, but motioned the egg up to Luna's chest. And as it brushed her fur, Luna was speechless, the sight even making the Mane Seven to start tearing up.

"Oh...oh Calm..." Luna replied as she put her hooves around the egg, the trembling in her hooves now coming to a halt. Her back hooves slumped down as she stood on their knees, soon hugging the egg as the jakhowl couple smiled at each other.

"Isn't it beautiful?" Sharp asked, only to see Luna just give a small nod.

"It is...it truly is..." Luna muttered as the jakhowl now hugged her. They weren't sure how many minutes passed in this embrace, but as it ended, Luna gave the egg back as her horn began to glow. "Sharp...Calm...I wish to propose something to you two."

"Hmm? What is it your majesty?"

"I...I wish to protect your egg." She slowly got up as she put her hoof on Sharp's shoulder, "You are my partner Sharp Paw, as our auras are connected. And even though I know your connection to your mate is stronger, you will always be my jakhowl partner. So...may I perform a spell over the egg?"

The two jakhowl glanced at each other, only for both to nod. "Of course."

And as those two words exited the jakhowl's mouth, the world began to flicker around the Mane Seven again, a bright light starting to embrace them. "Seriously?! Right at this moment?!" Flash barked out as he put a hoof over his eyes, "What the heck-"





"-is going on?!" he finished as felt a familiar sensation shiver his body. Soon opening his eyes, he saw that him and the others were now at a new location. No longer were they are the castle, but in a forest, surrounded by giant trees. The towering clan of lumber were like pillars, all randomly assorting the area as Flash started looking around, "Oookay. Where are we now?"

"Not sure." Twilight replied as she rubbed her eyes, Flash now noticing she was standing right beside him. "Is this the Everfree?"

The others all replied by staring at the trees, only for Fluttershy to chime in, "Hmm...I don't think so. This place seems...strange. I've never seen trees as wide as these. They don't look like something that animals that I take care of would regularly live with."

"That's worrying." Flash added with crossed hooves.

"And so is that!" Rainbow yelled, making everypony turn to her. There, they saw what she was pointing at, the sight making them gasp and grimace.

It was a full village of Tricksters, all big and small. Most were in their battle forms, as few were in their tiny fox forms, making Fluttershy squee. But before she could try to hop and hug one of them, Flash quickly stopped her, telling her they were not the nice foxes she usually knew back in Ponyville. Not only that, the 'village' was more of camping site as they continued to observe, noticing most were just living in tents and shacks. And as they looked over the village, they all gulped as they saw one familiar Trickster walk through the makeshift town.

"Dark Mist..." Flash whispered as they saw all the Tricksters bow to fox as he walked through the village. "That's not good. I'm guessing he's the leader of all these monsters."

"Well, they shouldn't be able to see us, so let's follow him." Twilight suggested, the others nodded as they started to walk through the village. And as they did, the seven grimaced at the sights around them. It was the opposite of the jakhowls in every way. While when they went to Luna's castle, they saw jakhowls talking and playing with each other, all with happy faces, especially when they watched Ruby first walk to the castle. But here, the Tricksters all growled at each other, most fighting or destroying dummies for battle practice. They also saw that the foxes had several prisoner ponies, some of the foxes absorbing their aura like they were candy. The sight made the group flinch, Fluttershy almost throwing up.

"They really are the antithesis to jakhowls." Twilight commented as they now saw three Tricksters all fight over a bowl of soup, one firing Dark Blasts while the other stabbed him in the back with a Dark Claw. "How do they exist together like this?"

"Probably through fear." Flash responded, making Twilight raise an eyebrow. Seeing this, he let out a sigh, "Its something Grand taught me. I'll explain later." He looked back at Dark Mist, only to go wide-eyed as he came to a halt, "Hmm? Who's that?"

They all walked around the defender, all soon blinking at the new sight. It was Dark Mist...and a unicorn stallion. The unicorn had a dark green mane with a brown clay colored coat. A series of scars were all over both sides of his body, a particularly big vertical one down his left eye with a small horizontal one on the bottom end of the vertical scar. His left eye was fake, a wooden eye with a pupil drawn in. His nose was also half burnt, and he had several teeth missing, all replaced with fake wooden ones. Finally, his cutie mark was a carving tool on top of a piece of paper.

"So...got anything for me yet, Vile Rune?"

"Oh yes." Vile chuckled back as he lifted his hoof, showing the red gem Dark Mist had gotten several months ago. "I finished the last Runic formula. Now...we can finally begin."

A huge grin shined on Dark Mist's face, one that made a shiver go down the Mane Seven's spine. Flash gulped at it in particular, seeing how almost mirror perfect it was to Shade's smile as the Trickster laughed, "Ki ki ki…excellent. And this will guarantee the death of all jakhowls, right?"

Vile just gave him a small shrug, "I wouldn't give you a full guarantee, as with all things concerning gaining power, but..." he gave the gem back to the fox as his wooden teeth now showed a checkered smile, "Gambling is all part of the power business, wouldn't you agree?"

"Ki ki ki...I couldn't agree more."
> A Thing Called Reality
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


"The inferior man can not fathom the superior soul."

-Kanade Uryu


"Oookay. Everypony raise their hoof if they think this isn't good." Flash commented as he turned to his friends, soon seeing five raised hooves.

The only one that didn't raise it is Twilight, as she was too focused on the scene unfolding before them. She rubbed her chin at the sight, her eyes darting back and forth as she muttered out, "Hmm...why are we being shown this now?"

"I couldn't agree more sugarcube." Applejack added as she crossed her hooves, "Why are we still stuck watching this?!"

"That's not what I meant Applejack." Twilight replied as she glanced at the farmer. "I mean, consider what we just heard. This...'Vile Rune' and Dark Mist want to destroy the jakhowls, and this is the past."

Flash didn't like the sound of those last words, "Uh Twilight...what do you mean by that?"

Twilight gave him a glum frown before looking back at the laughing Trickster. "Flash, we've been shown scene after scene of jakhowls and Princess Luna, all in the past." She raised an eyebrow at this, "Not only that, what was the first thing we learned about jakhowls from a pony that knew about them in the past?"

The defender's brain reeled through it's memories before his mouth opened, "It was Princess Celestia. She said something about the jakhowls vanishing in number until it was like they didn't exist."

"She also said that ponies never had a full explanation as to why they disappeared. Just a theory of them leaving during conflict." Twilight stared back at Dark Mist, "I...I don't want to doubt Princess Celestia, but maybe history is wrong. The only records I could find when we first met Springer was in books considering them extinct and based on what we've seen, Princess Celestia wasn't around the jakhowls. At all. It would make sense, as she seemed so surprised to see Springer back then. There was also a whole lot of conflict with the Tricksters happening here. Doesn't that seem...well, bad?"

The others all grimaced at that statement, Flash sighing as he silently admitted she could be right. Despite this, he tried to keep a brave face as he stared at Dark Mist and Vile Rune, "I guess...maybe we should just keep watching for now."

"Agreed."





Back at Vile Rune and Dark Mist, the two were now looking over a table covered in papers. Drawings and letters were on every piece of parchment, some glowing as Vile put the dark red gem in the middle of the piece of furniture. "First off, let me explain the basics of what I've developed." Vile commented as his horn started to glow, several pages now glowing the same color.

Dark Mist took a seat with a shining smirk, "Please do. I can't wait to hear how victory will be achieved."

"You're jumping ahead there fox." Vile responded as the papers became one filed pile. "Let's start with something simple." He took off the top piece of paper and put it by the gem, "For starters, this gem you got for me is extraordinary. The amount of power it can contain is at an unseen level. This is truly...intricate work."

"It should be." Dark barked back with a slight sneer, "After being stuck having that....that...whatever that place that I conquered was called, and having to be stuck waiting there for like a week, it better be worth it. Ugh...can't believe I had to stay there that long. I got bored on the second day."

"He considers tormenting a whole village of ponies a chore?! Are you kidding me?!" Flash growled, only for Twilight to push his chest back.

"Stop Flash, there's no point getting angry at him. This is the past." Twilight reprimanded, telling Flash to take a deep breath as they continued to listen.

"If that's your biggest issue, then you shouldn't have a problem." Vile replied as he levitated two more pieces of paper, "Now, thanks to the formulas you gave me, I configured three separate methods that we can use to distract the jakhowls, along with the main methodology we'll be using to destroy them. Granted, I honestly think no distractions will be needed, but all precautions must be made for this to work. Take a look."

And as the fox started to look the papers over, Twilight glanced over his shoulder, only to go wide-eyed, "This is...rune magic!"

"Rune magic? You mean, like what Solid Script uses?" Flash asked back.

Twilight did a quick nod, "It is, but...that's far from everything. These formulas that Vile Rune has made...I've never seen such things! Why, these would go at least ten years beyond some of the stuff me and Solid made back in the day!"

"And the bad guys have them. Great..." Flash commented, dodging a slight tail smack from Twilight. "I'm guessing that means that this isn't going to go well."

"Perfect!" Dark Mist interrupted as he flicked the paper currently in his claw, "I like your way of thinking Vile."

"I had a feeling you would." Vile tapped the paper in Dark's claw, "By the way, about that rune..."

"We'll do it." Dark Mist interrupted, immediately giving the parchment back to the unicorn.

"Wha-" Vile sputtered out as he took the paper, "Did you not read what this says?! This rune is a strength enhancement rune, but the price is-"

"I know the price Vile." Dark Mist responded as he crossed his arms, his form leaning back into a chair. "I'll go ahead and give you some advice over us Tricksters, Vile. We'll do anything if it means killing even a single jakhowl." He tapped the piece of paper again, "That includes sacrificing a Trickster, which can also be plural." a low hiss escaped his mouth as he leaned forward, "We'll do anything to destroy them."

Seeing this made the Mane Seven all flinch at his dark demeanor, but Vile didn't move. Instead, he just glanced back at the rune paper before staring at Dark Mist as he replied, "That's good to know, but one can't be too careful. As such, I'll go over the rune to you and the rest, regardless of what happens." the unicorn's horn began to glow as he pointed at the rune, "This rune in particular will increase all physical strength factors of an individual, but the cost is severe strain on his body. According to my calculations, if I put this rune on one of you foxes, it'll triple your strength."

"Sounds good to me." Dark responded as he picked up another piece of paper, "And this rune?"

"That's a connection rune. Its for safety, as it'll allow me to control the runes on multiple Tricksters in case some part of the plan goes wrong."

"So you plan to put that on all of us too?"

"Yes." Vile switched it to another piece of paper, "I must admit, the rune theories you gave me were truly incredible. To think you could use runes to transfer anything into energy, then store it in an object. Unicorn spells for that would take years to make compared to runes."

"Tch, I told you Vile..." Dark replied as a huge grin shined on his face, "We Tricksters made the original rune magic. Its you unicorns that found a way to make them better."

"WHAT?!" Twilight yelped, making the others flinch at her outburst. "Tricksters made the original rune magic?!" Twilight rubbed her hooves into her head, "But that's...I've never read about that before! How..."

"Didn't you just say history could be wrong Twilight?" Flash reminded her, making her glance back at the defender.

"That may be true, but...this is something crazy! The origin of rune magic has never been explained like this! Heck, there's never been theories of that magic branch for centuries! Granted, barely any family lines use rune magic, and research on it rarely happens...maybe once every two centuries, but this...this could revolutionize magic entirely! Think about it, a whole branch of magic that can skip spells like Vile Rune is saying?! It could-"

Flash interrupted her by putting a hoof over her mouth, "Then let's find out what happens and record it later."

"I..." Twilight tried to counter, only to sigh. "Alright. Let's keep watching."

They stared back at the cackling duo, only to see a huge grin on Vile's face as he tapped another piece of paper, "Alright, this is the final part of the plan." Vile placed the gem from before on the table, "As you know, the connection rune I'll be using on all you Tricksters will allow me to activate all the strength enhancing runes at once. Because of this, I want all of you to put these runes down on the battlefield beforehoof. That way, we can eliminate them all in one fell swoop."

"Excellent." Dark replied as he looked over the final paper of the plan. "Ki ki ki...this seems almost too easy."

"Its never easy Dark Mist. Activating a rune like this...it'll take a huge amount of time." Vile glared directly into Dark Mist's eyes, a look of pure death in them, "You'll have to start what's basically a war battle for quite a while."

"Ki ki ki...I know. And as I told you, we Tricksters we'll do anything to destroy them." Dark then turned around and snapped his claws, "Come!"

Within a second, a bipedal Trickster walked in and bowed, "Yes, Master Dark Mist?"

"Get me a report on everything. I want to know if they're at the castle or not." A huge smile creeped itself onto Dark's face, "We're making Trickster history, and I wanna be sure to take every jakhowl out."

"Fu fu fu...it will be done master." The Trickster laughed as it turned to leave the tent. And as it left, another Trickster entered, this one being a young fox, as it was on all fours.

"Master...are we finally gonna destroy them? Me and the other kids overheard ya, and-"

Dark Mist just chuckled as he put his claw on the Trickster's head tuft of hair, "Ki ki ki...we are. When we're done with them, we Tricksters will finally be free of the menace that is the jakhowls."

The little one's eyes shined like stars as a huge grin graced his face, "Really?! You're gonna kill 'em all?!"

Dark Mist did a small nod. "Oh yes."

"Wow...amazing." The tiny fox fell back, now sitting on his behind. "Gosh, I wish I could at least beat one before you get 'em all though. To think...those rotten monsters will all be gone."

"Ki ki ki...ki ki ki…" Dark Mist laughed as Vile Rune chuckled at the sight as well. Seeing this, Dark Mist leaned down and patted the fox's head, "Don't worry. If any of those vermin survive, I'll let you destroy one of 'em."

"Really?! T-t-that...that would be such an honor!"

"Indeed it would be." Dark's paw lifted itself from the fox's head, only to extend his claw to the little one's paw. "Do we have a deal?"

"Deal!" the fox accepted, shaking it vigorously.

And while this exchange happened, the Mane Seven stared at the scene, Fluttershy especially depressed as she whimpered out, "That poor little fox. I can't believe something so small and cute could think of doing such horrible things."

Flash just shook his head, crossing his hooves at the same time, "Its what Tricksters are Fluttershy. Granted, I've only met one before this, but...yeah, its the same experience."

"What a complete different way of thinking these foxes have." Twilight commented with a hoof to her chin, "To think, a society based on hatred, all the way to the point of admiring that hatred...that's insane."

"Yeah..." Rainbow added as she saw the ground around them start to flicker, "Looks like we're moving again."

"Yup. Get ready everypony." Flash ordered as the group closed their eyes, light blinding them as the background began to shift.





As Flash reopened his eyes, a series of groans followed as he saw his companions were all groggy from yet another transition. Blinking, he went over to help Twilight as she let out a cough, "You okay?"

"Ugh...I'm getting sick of this." she moaned as she rubbed her eyes.

"Yeah, same here." Flash added as he looked up at the others, "Everypony okay?" A series of 'yeah's and nods followed as they all started to look around at their surroundings, noticing it was just outside of Luna's castle from earlier. Seeing this, Flash pointed at the building, "Guess we're going back to Princess Luna and the jakhowls."

"Yeah...though I have a bad feeling about this." Twilight commented as she glanced over at the defender, "How many days do you think have passed since what we just saw?"

"Not sure, but I get where you're going."

"What do you mean?" Rainbow asked, only to get two frowns as Twilight responded.

"I think we might be on the day that...Dark Mist and Vile Rune do their plan."

"Oh..." Rainbow did a small gulp, "Yeah, that's not good."

The other girls all gave frowns as they stared at the castle in the distance, Flash soon walking in front of them. "Come on. Nothing's gonna happen out here. We better go in the castle and see what happens next." They all nodded in agreement, the seven now making their way to the structure. And as they got closer, a much happier looking sight soon came into view. It was Princess Luna, outside and playing with a group of young jakhowl. A small smile was on her face, one that the group could tell was hiding pain, but still showing happiness as she hugged two jakhowl at the same time.

"Awww...what a sad smile." Pinkie chimed in as he ears drooped. "Poor Princess Luna."

"Yeah. I'm guessing the jakhowls were all she had to cheer her up back then." Twilight added as she crossed her hooves at the sight, a slight glare on her face.

Noticing this, Flash turned to her and asked, "Something wrong Twi?"

She tapped her hooves with a small snort, "I...don't know."

"What do you mean? What don't you know?"

"Its just...there's too many questions." Twilight replied as she pointed at the scene, "I mean, why isn't this in the history books?! Why isn't there anything on her being the leader over the jakhowls, or her telling us she was?!" Twilight turned to glare at Flash, "You said she never told Springer about this, right?"

"Not that I know of. Same with Ruby." Flash replied, shrugging slightly. "Though...if something really bad is about to happen here, do you think she'll want to talk about it in the present?"

"I..." Twilight tried to respond, only to let out a long sigh, "No. I guess she wouldn't. At least, not a bunch of bad memories. Especially if this gets worse..."

"See? You're worrying too much." Flash patted her shoulder with his wing, a calm smile on his face, "We'll figure out that junk when we get out of here, alright?"

"Okay..." a tint of red could be seen on Twilight's face as she looked away from the patting wing, her eyes now back on Princess Luna, "I gotta say though, she does look happy right now."

"Your majesty!" yelled a new voice, making the seven turn and see Calm Paw running up to the princess.

"Yes Calm?" Luna asked as the young jakhowls jumped off her after seeing the incoming jakhowl.

"Your majesty, the spell is ready to be woven." Calm replied as she did a small bow. "We are ready when you are able."

"I understand." Luna added as she turned back to the other jakhowls, "Young ones, I shall return, as your leader needs me right now."

"Okay!" they all chimed in unison. "Take care of the princess, Lady Calm!"

"I will." Calm giggled as she patted the jakhowl's head, "Allow me to come with you, your majesty."

"Of course. After all, I wish to use this spell on your egg." Luna finished as both started to make their way to the castle, the Mane Seven following suit. And as they entered inside, the group watched a series of jakhowls dressed as maids and nurses greet the princess. There, they walked into the main room, where they saw it the egg they had seen earlier now sitting on a nest of straw. "Ah. Is everypony ready?"

"They are, your majesty." Sharp responded as he walked into the room. "But I must ask, are you ready to try this? No offense your majesty, but-"

"That's enough Sharp." Luna raised her hoof with a low sigh, "I know I am...still grieving, but I must move on. Let me do this." Her horn started to glow as she closed her eyes, "Let us begin."

Calm and Sharp glanced at each other before walking up to the egg, putting their paws on the sphere-like object. Their aura started to flow into the egg as what looked like a magic string came out of Luna's horn, which floated over to the egg and started to spiral around it. As it did this, the string looked like it was melting into the egg. Seeing this, Twilight let out a small gasp, "This is...an advanced defense spell."

"Advanced? It doesn't look that strong to me." Rainbow commented as she pointed at the egg, "I mean, its so tiny."

Twilight shook her head. "Its not that kind of spell Rainbow. The spell she's using...if I had to guess, its a shield like spell, but its also being directly absorbed by the egg."

"But why would she do that?" Rarity asked next, "I mean, most shield spells for us unicorns are just barriers."

"True, but this...this is something else. Perhaps its a delayed protection spell, one designed to last for an extended amount of time. Though, to do that would mean the magic would have to have both layers and need extra help. Its not suited for one pony to cast that kind of spell."

Flash pointed at Sharp, "Is that why those two are putting their auras in the egg?"

"Not sure." Twilight replied as she rubbed her chin, "Though that's not a bad guess. Either way, the egg will definitely be protected...almost to a sheltering degree. I imagine this amount of magic will possibly do more to the jakhowl inside when it hatches."

And as those words escaped her mouth, Luna's horn stopped glowing as she slumped over. She was now panting, sweat dripping down her face as she muttered out, "Its...its done. The egg...is now forever protected."

The two jakhowls also slumped down, Calm letting out a huge moan, "Thank the moon that's over. I've never had to use that much aura before..."

"Yes...but think about it, my love." Sharp added as he went over and slung his arm around Calm, "Now, the egg will be safe from literally everything. Nothing will harm it."

"True. Not only that, the amount of aura and magic poured into it..." a big smile started to appear on Calm's face, "Our child won't be any ordinary jakhowl. That includes whoever its partner is."

"Agreed." Sharp replied as he helped Luna up, "Your majesty...thank you for this."

"There is no need to thank me Sharp, I wished to do this." Luna responded as she took to her hooves, a calm breath following this, "Now, I believe we all need a good rest after-"

"YOUR MAJESTY!" yelled a sudden voice, making everyone turn to see a female jakhowl attendant running up to them, pure panic on her face.

"Hmm? What is it?" Luna immediately replied with a slight glare, "We have just completed the spell, so-"

"Its...its...its the Tricksters!" the jakhowl interrupted, the trio now freezing up at the words as she continued, "They're at the front gate! Its Dark Mist!"

"DARK MIST?!" Sharp roared, a blaze of blue flames now consuming his paws.

"Hold Sharp!" Luna instantly ordered, her wing flaring in front of the jakhowl. She turned back to the attendant as a series of pants escaped her breath, "Why is he here?! Even I know he is not a fool to come to my sanctuary."

Seeing the glare underneath the sweat on Luna's face, the attendant did a slight gulp before replying, "Um...he says he wants to speak to Chief Sharp. He says...he's here to end everything."

"That monster..." Sharp growled as he glared at Princess Luna, "Let me face him, your majesty. I need to do this. You know he won't stop with just a talking to."

Luna wiped her brow as she let out another long breath, "I know. That's why I'm going with you." She rested her hoof on her chest as she sighed, "Just...give me a second to catch my breath after that spell." Sharp opened his mouth, only for Luna to put her hoof in it, "No. You will stay here until I'm ready to walk out with you."

"And I'm coming to." Calm added as she gripped Sharp's arm, "Don't you dare leave me behind on this." She motioned to the attendant, "Take my egg to the infirmary. Keep it guarded."

"Yes, my lady." the jakhowl bowed before taking the egg away.

Seeing this, Luna stood upright before gesturing to the jakhowls, both nodding as they followed her. They soon left the castle, only to go wide-eyed at the next sight. Before them stood almost every jakhowl that lived there, only the young and a few attendants not showing themselves, as they were hiding in the castle. Looks of pure anger, rage, and slight fear were on all of their faces, as before them stood several hundred adult jakhowls. But despite these expressions, all of them immediately bowing as Luna walked down the courtyard of her castle. And as she reached the end, she found herself face to face with an army of Tricksters.

This group of foxes were only half the size of the amount jakhowls behind the princess. Not only that, there were other obvious differences. For one, the Tricksters looked grungier, dirt and filth on most of their bodies while the jakhowls all mainly had clean coats. Scars and markings were covering their forms, and every one of them had huge, devilish grins on their faces. That is, except the one at the very front of the foxes, which was their leader, Dark Mist.

"Ugh! That's disgusting!" Dark Mist immediately yelped as he stuck out his tongue and pointed at Luna, "You seriously let her walk in front of you like that?! Heck, why are you bowing to that...that thing?!"

"You will show her majesty respect Dark Mist!" Sharp Paw replied, his entire form almost now consumed in blue flames. "Kneel before-"

"Nope." Dark interrupted as he waved his claws, "I ain't doing that. I definitely don't serve this...thing."

"Why you little-"

"Enough." Luna commanded as she flared her wing in front of Sharp again. Not looking away for a second from Dark Mist, the alicorn let out a low growl, "Now, why are you here? And it better be a good reason, as I seriously don't know why I shouldn't take you down right now."

"Tch. Like you could take me." Dark spat with a shrug. He then pointed at the Luna with a wagging finger, "But since you asked so nicely, I'm here to ask for a deal with you, your maj...yeah, I can't say it."

"Does the deal include giving you some manners?!" Calm instantly replied, her own paws now lit in flames.

"HA! I like her! She's awesome!" Rainbow Dash guffawed, only to get a volley of 'shushes' from the others. "Yeah yeah, I'll be quiet."

"I don't need such things." Dark Mist barked back with his tongue still out, "Look, I'll just cut to the chase. I wanna make a deal with you." The fox leaned up next as his tongue rolled back into his mouth with a grin, "This is the part where you ask what the deal is."

Luna's horn began to spark, her eyes now seeing darkness cover every claw on each Trickster behind Dark Mist. Knowing her attack would spark a battle, she let out a long sigh, "What's the deal? Tell me now."

"Simple." Dark Mist's grin grew wider as he put both claws to his mouth, "I want you to revoke the law against Tricksters."

Luna's face kept a low, dark glare as she responded, "You can't be serious."

"Oh, but I am." Dark's claws started to go into his mouth as he continued to grin and speak, "You see, we Tricksters are all outlawed here in Equestria. We're not allowed to run free thanks to the law you made. Instead, we're hunted down by your despicable knights."

"That's because you cause chaos and destruction wherever you go. All you foxes do that." Sharp replied as Calm nodded in agreement, "You don't care about the ones you hurt or abuse. That's why you're outlawed!"

"I know." Dark Mist responded as he started to laugh, "But you see...that's what it means to be a Trickster. Tricking others, hurting them, destroying them...ki ki ki! That's how we live, and we love it!" His teeth clenched down on his claws, the pupils in his eyes now bouncing around. "But you 'equestrians' messed everything up! You don't let us live our lives!"

"We'll never let something as evil as you run free." Luna yelled as her horn's glow continued to get bigger, "I will never accept this deal! Now, either surrender to me or-"

"Or what?!" Dark interrupted as his eyes refocused on Luna, "You'll try to capture us?! Perhaps beat us all up and send us to one of your prisons?! Don't make me laugh!" He removed his claws from his mouth, his fingers slowly turning to point at the princess, "Here's the real deal. You will either remove that law, or we'll kill every jakhowl here!"

"And if I stop you?" Luna instantly replied as her horn continued to shine.

"Oh, you won't." Dark Mist snapped his claws, the Tricksters behind him now all glowing. Magic runes appeared on each of their chests, even the young ones as they all started to illuminate. "For we've acquired an even greater power. One that will let us finally destroy every last jakhowl."

The sight made Luna almost flinch, but she kept her horn's light strong. A low breath followed this as she replied, "I will still never remove that law. I will defeat you, and the jakhowls will stand strong." She shook her head next, "You will never win, no matter how powerful you become."

However, as those words exited her mouth, Dark let out a long laugh, "Ki ki ki...ki ki ki! Oh, that's rich! Ki ki ki...ki ki ki!"

"Stop laughing!" Sharp barked back, now stepping in front of the princess, "Dark Mist, you are no longer welcome here. Surrender now, or we will-"

"Do nothing." Dark interrupted, spitting at the jakhowl as he pointed at him, "Listen here Sharp. Tell that...thing you bow too to revoke the law, or..." his finger turned to point at Calm, "I'm gonna make sure you say goodbye to your mate...forever."

"Why you little-"

"Nope." Dark interrupted again, now turning around as he let out a low laugh, "Ki ki ki...eh, I can't laugh anymore. Figures you won't listen to my generous demands." The fox turned his head back to Sharp, a smaller grin now his face, "But, that doesn't mean we can't be civil about this. Tell you what...how about you jakhowls meet up with us in say...a day or so?" He slowly raised his claw and pointed at the horizon, "There's a canyon just a few miles south of there. Meet us tomorrow with all your pals, or...well, I'll keep my end of the deal over your mate."

"You will not-" Luna yelled as her horn flared, firing a beam of magic at the retreating fox. But as the spell exited her horn, the Trickster snapped his fingers. In that second, a barrier rune appeared, creating a wall that blocked the magic in one go. "Wha-"

"Had my minions set up a barrier while we talking. Runes don't always require speech or glowing horns." A long tongue rolled out of his mouth as he stuck it at them before turning to walk away, "I'll be waiting Sharp. I can't wait to destroy you! Ki ki ki...ki ki ki!"

"Neither can I!" Sharp screamed as he charged at the barrier, hitting with both fists. Despite this, the wall didn't faze, causing him to roar out as he continued to punch the shield, "DARK MIST! COME BACK AND FACE ME NOW, YOU COWARD!"

"That's enough Sharp. Stop hitting the barrier." Luna responded as she put her hoof on his shoulder, "If you do that, you'll just be playing at his game."





As those words from Luna's mouth hit everypony's ears, Twilight's eyes went wide. Her brain spun like a pair of gears in a machine, all working as she let out a gasp, "No...it can't be."

"Huh? What is it Twilight? You look like you've seen a ghost." Flash commented as he turned to the princess, now seeing a shiver go down her spine. "You okay?"

"I...I think I figured it out."

"Figured what out?"

"Why we're watching this." Twilight flatly said, making all six stare at her with now wide eyes. But before anypony could ask, she raised her hoof, "Stop. Let me explain." She did a small sigh as she pointed at Luna and Sharp Paw, "What Princess Luna just said, the part where Sharp Paw would be playing to Dark Mist's game, that's...that's why we're watching this."

"That's why?" Flash asked as he glanced back at Princess Luna, "Uh....I don't get it."

"Yeah sugarcube." Applejack added as she tapped the princess's side, "Yer gonna have to explain that one a bit more."

However, Twilight just shook her head, "No, that's exactly it. Think about it girls...and Flash. These visions we've been getting, they all happen like a story." She turned to her friends as she pointed at Flash, "Listen, when me and Flash used the potion, it was based on finding an answer we were looking for. But this...these things we've been shown are nothing like this, so it has to be something else."

"So...its not the zebra potion?" Flash concluded with a head tilt.

Twilight nodded in response. "Yes. And what Princess Luna just said has convinced me of what this is."

"And what is it then?"

"Its a game."

"A game?"

"Let me explain." Twilight sat down as she started motioning with her hooves, "Ever since this has started, we've been constantly thrown to each scene with no control. Not only that, we go over huge amounts of time like its nothing. Even if you were telling a story, you would have to structure it in a way that makes sense."

"But we were just thrown into this." Flash finished, Twilight nodding again.

"Exactly. In other words, somepony is controlling this whole thing." She crossed her hooves as she let out a low growl, "This individual is only showing us certain things, constantly hopping between scenes, and especially likes showing us the worst events. That...sounds like somepony petty and foal-like. You know, like they're just playing a game."

"But who would do that to us Twi?" Applejack asked next, only to get a small frown from Twilight.

"I...don't know."

"Maybe it was Discord! He could totally do something like this!" Rainbow interjected, only to get a shake of the head from Flash.

"I don't think so Rainbow. Considering what me and Twilight saw with Zecora's potion, I think this is after Discord was originally turned into a statue."

"Oh...darn."

It was here that all seven friends frowned, depression setting in as they couldn't think of any enemy over this. But as this happened, Fluttershy looked back at Luna and Sharp Paw, only to speak up, "Um...why are we the ones being shown stuff about jakhowls?"

"Huh? What do you mean Fluttershy?"

"Well..." the buttercream pegasus started to fiddle with her hooves, "I know we said we're all here because we're the Elements of Harmony, but...why isn't Springer seeing this? I mean, wouldn't it make sense for him to see this?"

This made the others go wide-eyed, Twilight shining a huge grin as she placed both hooves on Fluttershy's shoulders, "That's it! Fluttershy, you're a genius!"

"I am?"

"Yes!" Twilight snapped her head to Flash, "Flash, contact Springer with your aura! You said you could do that since we could start understanding him, right?"

Flash was taken a bit back, "Um...yeah, I can. I mean...I tried when we got here, but I just naturally do it. Not being able to always contact him is kinda normal." But Twilight didn't reply, just giving him a glare that made him do a small nod before closing his eyes, "Gimme a sec. I'll try to find him..." And as they saw the defender concentrate, Flash took a low breath as he said in his mind, "Springer? Can you hear me bud?"

"About time. Hey Flash."

"Whoa!" Flash yelped as he hopped in place.

"What? What is it Flash?" Twilight asked, only for Flash to raise a hoof.

"One sec Twi. I'm talking to Springer." He closed his eyes again. "Hey buddy, I'm here with the girls and we seem to be in a bit of a bind. Where are ya?"

"Oh, I know. It was just that we weren't able to contact each other till you figured it out."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"Do that thing where you see things through my eyes and you'll see Flash."

Flash opened his eyes as he stared at the girls, "Uh...looks like Springer already knew we were in this thing."

The others glanced at each other, Rainbow asking, "If he did, why hasn't he helped us get out?!"

"I don't know. He just told me to see things through his eyes, so I'm gonna do it." Flash closed his lids again, "Be right back." And as the girls stared at the still defender, a barrage of frowns followed as Flash let out two words, "Aw crap."





Just a few seconds ago...

"So they finally figured it out, huh? Took 'em long enough. Gotta say though, you were right. The princess would be the one to figure out...which if I'm totally honest, kinda disgusts me."

"Yeah, well...Twilight is better than you." Springer barked back with crossed paws.

"Pfft! Like a lousy alicorn could shape up to someone as magnificent as me."

"You really are full of yourself, aren't you?"

"I am NOT full of myself! I'm just perfect, you aura freak!"

"Yeah yeah...so honor your deal 'mister perfect' and release the rune. Let me talk to Flash."

"Grrr...fine. Not like it really matters."

And as a small click went off, Springer closed his eyes, contacting his partner. There, they had a conversation, mainly Springer telling him to just go ahead and see things through the jakhowl's eyes. With this agreement, the jakhowl opened his eyes, a new set of irises seeing through them. That and a new voice as Flash and Springer synced up. "Aw crap." was all Flash could say as he saw who Springer was facing.

"Welcome, Springer's partner. Have a look around." the other replied, making the defender now see the full room. He saw that Springer was in a large box room that looked like it had been carved out of a cave, complete with rock covered walls and ceiling. But that wasn't what caught his eye, as he now saw that Springer and the other figure were sitting on two large solid rock thrones and a machine was between them. The machine was showing a large map with several figures, all he recognized. They were his friends, Princess Luna, Sharp Paw, Dark Mist, Vile Rune and others, all being displayed like a show on the map, complete with an assortment of magic runes surrounding each display. Not only that, as his eyes scanned the machine, a low gasp went out of his mouth as he saw that the machine was connected by a giant assortment of wires and tubes, all with magic runes covering each piece. But that wasn't what made him truly gasp. What shocked him was that at the end of those tubes was seven large capsules, each showing a different pony inside them, all asleep. It was his friends...and himself.

Seeing this, he turned back to the figure, a low glare now on his face. "Shade...what have you done to me and my friends?! What is this?!"

"Hee hee hee...surprised? You really shouldn't be if you thought about it." Shade replied as a huge grin graced his face, his claws now stretching out as he gestured to the machine between them. "After all, this is my greatest accomplishment. Behold, a marvel of science and sorcery, all thanks to that idiot Doom Raizer."

"Hee hee hee...welcome, to the ultimate game! Welcome...to the final battle between the Jakhowls and the Tricksters!"
> Filling in the Blanks
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


History is a surprisingly simple concept. It is a series of events that tie themselves to anything that can happen, specifically lessons. Its the act of studying, understanding, and implementing its lessons that shape future history.

-Anonymous


Several months ago...

"Hey Doom?" Shade asked as he took a bite of an apple, his legs dangling on the ends of a chair. He was currently sitting on Doom's ship, which was headed for the island of Omniara.

To the side was Doom Raizer, the mad scientist that was at the time, trying to obtain the Omni Sphere. His hooves were spinning the ship's wheel as they cruised across a calm sea. The unicorn did a small grunt before turning to the fox, "What?!"

"No need to be so mean Doom, take a chill pill and relax." Shade added as he took a chomp out of the apple, "Heh...chill pill. Love that saying of this 'modern' time."

"You were going to ask me something?!" Doom growled, making Shade roll his eyes.

"Yeah. I got a riddle for ya..." Shade gulped down another bite as he wiped his mouth with his claw, "What do you think true power is? Is it something you just obtain by getting stronger, or is it something that you get after ya accomplish all your goals?"

Doom looked back at the sea as a small hum went out of his mouth, "Hmm...that's a different question. Why are you asking?"

"If you give me an answer, I'll tell ya why."

"Alright. If that's the case...I would say its by getting stronger. That way, it shows what power you truly possess, and shows you can become even more powerful."

"Hmm..." Shade leaned back in his chair at the response. "Interesting..."

"I answered your question fox. Now, why did you ask that?"

"Well...I was thinking of the history of Tricksters. In particular, a certain event between a Trickster and a unicorn."

"Oh? And why would a fox like you be interested in history? You seem more of the...instinctual type."

A huge grin shined on Shade's face as he leaned forward, "Hee hee hee...oh, I wouldn't say that Doom. We Tricksters, despite our...violent tendencies, love knowledge. We're beings that look back at the past mistakes of other Tricksters in order to better ourselves. We're also especially big lovers of history."

"I see." Doom replied, still not looking back at the fox, "So, what was this event in the past?"

"Oh, nothing much. Just what one would call the greatest event ever for the Tricksters. It was also an event where the unicorn in the story looked at power in...the latter category."

Doom raised an eyebrow at this, "The unicorn believed power only happens at the end of the goal?"

"Yes. Its the same story that created what I showed you went we first met."

"You mean...this unicorn created that?!" Doom glared back at the fox, "Why didn't you tell me this story?!"

"You didn't ask." The fox replied, chuckling as he put his claws behind his head, now leaning back in his chair again, "Besides, the story is so much more than just that. The difference is that the story says the unicorn was right...in a way." The fox looked back up at Doom, his grin now increasing, "Word of warning Doom, the finish line isn't where you think it is sometimes. You sometimes have to...go beyond what you could imagine."





Some time later, five weeks after the Omniara incident...

"Ugh...are we there yet?!" Shade moaned as he finished another apple. "I can't stand being on this ship much longer."

A cloak merely motioned to him, making the fox look up at a nearby window. There, he saw exactly what he had been seeing for five weeks...water. "Blast it. I so need a soundboard right now." he tapped the side of the cloak, "Get me another apple, I'm gonna look at the blueprints again."

As the cloak walked away, Shade let out a long yawn as he stumbled over to the captain's room table. He had made the cloaks navigate the ship, as he knew the ship mainly needed to just go straight to get back to Equestria. Now, he locked himself inside the captain's room, where he started to pour over all the papers and machines he had stolen from Doom's hideout on Omniara. The fox was now in his bipedal form, his eyes scanning a paper over the machine he would later put the Mane Seven into.

"Hmm...so glad I could convince Doom to make these. That moron really was a genius when it comes to building. Good thing the supplies on deck should help me make this." A cloak handed an apple to him before he took a satisfying a crunch into it. "I just need to make a few extra plans. One, I'll need to make a hideout to make this thing, then I'll need to find the subjects necessary...." Another bite into the apple, "And finally, I need to find that blasted jakhowl. I actually still don't know where he lives, mainly cuz I didn't care till now..." Shade leaned back in his chair as he pulled a small dark red gem out of his hair, "After all, what's the point of making this if I don't have an audience? Especially one that I want dead..."

With that last statement, Shade ate the rest of the apple before retiring for the day. It was a few days later that land finally came into view, which was met with cheering from one fox, and nothing else from a series of puppets guiding the ship. After that, he had them land on an abandoned beach, all the while making sure nothing saw the boat. Time soon passed as he unloaded everything off the ship, quickly making several more cloaks that could help him find a hideout. While doing this, he snuck into a few towns in pony disguise, all so he could get the latest news. There, he found out that the biggest recent news was that the princesses had vanished a few weeks ago, and the problem was solved around Ponyville. Seeing this, he had his first clue...





The Present...

"So...Flash Sentry, is it?" Shade asked as he leaned back in his chair, a huge smirk on his face, "Hee hee hee...why don't you go ahead and let the girls see this too? I suspect you have some questions."

"What are you talking about?" Flash replied, his voice coming out of Springer. "They can't do that."

"Oh? You don't-ah! Of course...he is the last jakhowl. I'm guessing the Princess of the Night hasn't told him everything." He pointed a finger at the jakhowl, "If that little pipsqueak can get to battle form, he can probably share his aura with those girls. I mean, you're seeing everything right now, correct? Just go back to them and tell 'em to connect to you. Granted, they probably won't be able to talk to me like you since your his partner, but that's just fine. So...go ahead. I'll wait. I prefer bigger audiences after all."

"That's possible?" Flash asked, getting a tiny nod from Shade.

"Don't worry. I have...how you say, 'paused' our little story. Go back to the girls, they'll probably be asking what's going on, and I really want this story to continue with no questions asked."

Flash now in Springer's body closed his eyes, reopening them to see he was now in front of all his friends. Now seeing him blink, Twilight spoke up, "Flash? Is that you? You okay?"

"Yeah...I'm fine." Flash moaned as he rubbed his eyes, "Got some bad news though."

"What's wrong? Did you find out who's behind this?" Twilight responded as she pointed to the scene behind them, "I'm guessing since, well...I don't know what exactly is going on right now." As for what she was pointing at, it was Luna and Sharp Paw, both still as statues as the princess was suddenly cut off mid-sentence.

"Yup. He's also responsible for that." Flash groaned as he did one last rub, "Girls, I don't know how to explain this, but...well, let's just say we're in trouble."

"We got that already." Rainbow deadpanned with crossed hooves, "Just tell us who's flank we need to kick to get out of this thing."

"That's the thing...I still don't know how to get out of this."

"Seriously?! Oh, come-"

"Rainbow, that's enough." Twilight interrupted with a hoof to her mouth, "Flash, let's start with who's behind this."

Flash gritted his teeth as he replied, "Its Shade. He's the one who got us in this mess."

"Shade? You mean, Shade the Trickster?"

"Yeah. And if you're about to ask about the how, he's got us trapped in some kind of...machine thing. I've never seen anything like it." Flash explained what the machine looked like, which was greeted with six combinations of glum frowns and looks of confusion. "Yeah, I had the same reaction." he then presented his hoof to his friends, "He also said you girls can take a look as well. Just grab my hoof and close your eyes."

"Huh?!" Twilight yelped with a raised eyebrow, "Flash...I thought only you and Springer can do that."

"Shade said its possible, though only I can talk thanks to me and Springer's connection. As for why he told me this, he said he won't let this continue until we do." He gestured to his hoof again, "Hate to say it, but let's go along with it for now. I don't know about you, but I want some answers."

"Hmmm..." Twilight did a glum sigh, but nodded. "Fine. Let's do it."

All six gripped Flash's hoof, all closing their eyes as Flash closed his as well. There, he mentally contacted Springer, the jakhowl happy to hear the girls voices. "Hey everypony. Sorry about this. Shade uh...got me in a real bind here."

"Its fine Springer." Twilight replied while others gave in chimes of agreement. "Just show us what's going on. I'll tell Flash what to ask Shade and make a plan to get us out of this mess."

"Got it. Thanks Twilight."

Springer opened his eyes, his pupils shifting and changing into Flash's. As they did this, the pupils kept morphing as the others all started to see out of his eyes.

"Whoa! What is that?! It looks crazy!" Rainbow responded first, her vision scanning every bit of the machine.

"Agreed darling. What a...I don't know how to describe it." Rarity replied as she tried to do a shudder of fear with her body.

"Tarnation. This don't look good at all." Applejack added while hearing a 'meep' out of Fluttershy.

"Yeah...definitely no party making machine, that's for sure." Pinkie continued while she looked to the right, now seeing her body in one of the capsules. "That doesn't look fun either."

"I couldn't agree more. Just...what is this thing?!" Twilight finished before her vision turned to Shade. "Ugh. So that's Shade. You were right Flash, he's ugly."

"Ah. I see your eyes are...having problems." Shade chuckled as he leaned over the map, "Tell me, who is looking at me right now? Is it the alicorn?" A toothy grin began to form on his face as he saw anger build on Springer's, "Hee hee hee...come now, no need to be angry. What's your first question? Is it how I got you here? Or maybe its what this machine is? After all, it was built by yours truly, who is a superior intellect beyond anything you could ever accomplish."

"And he's totally full of himself." Twilight moaned with a 'roll of the eyes'.

"Wow! He'd give Rainbow a run for her bits on having a massive ego!" Pinkie chimed in, getting a disgruntled snort from the athlete. "No offense."

"Ego aside, ask him how he did all this Flash." Twilight ordered, Flash taking a small breath in Springer's body as he prepared to do the command.

"Okay Shade, they're all here and watching. How'd you do all this?"

"Ah! The million bit question!" Shade exclaimed as he put his claws up to his mouth, "Hee hee hee...oh, I've waited so long for that question. As for its answer....well, I'm not sure where to start."

"How about the beginning?" Flash growled, making Shade laugh even more.

"Hee hee hee...good point! That's a great way to start!" his claws slowly touched his teeth, "But let's not go over the boring details. We'll skip the part where I escaped Omniara and stole Doom's ship. I suspect you already knew about that."

"I did. We searched the island over for you."

"And I'm flattered. Hee hee hee...oh, I just love the attention!" Shade guffawed, making Flash tap the table with Springer's paw, "Oh, lighten up! We got all the time in the world! After all, we have a lot to talk about over-"

"I'll just tell them everything right now if you don't start Shade." Springer interrupted, making Shade let out a low growl as the others felt the jakhowl take over.

"Hey! Don't ruin my-"

"Shade made this...'machine map thing' with plans Doom made. Something about advanced runes and junk." Springer started to explain, only to hear the sound of Shade's claws slamming the table.

"Stop that! I'm explaining my plan, and you're not going to ruin it!" Shade exclaimed, only to lean back in his chair, "This is just another reason why we Tricksters hate you jakhowls! You hate the fun of causing despair and agony! I wanted to see fear in their faces as I told them how I created this brilliant scheme!"

"Shut up and tell them what you told me."

"Fine...ya party pooper." Shade grumbled as he leaned back further, "It all started after I got back to Equestria. I had spent days finding out where you were Springer, and then...I started to plan."





A few months ago...

"So...this is Ghastly Gorge, right?" Shade asked the cloaks, getting a nod from the mechanical puppets. "Hmm...this looks good. Let's find a cave we can use here and get everything setup."

It wasn't long till he found what he was looking for, finding a maze of caves and tunnels, all that he used to setup a room for his machinations. Using a series of light devices Doom had made and stored in his ship, he quickly made a few rooms for himself as he got a table and the blueprints displayed on it. "Okay...this is good. I have most of the supplies I need for the machine. I'm just glad I convinced Doom to make these plans."

A cloak walked up and handed him an apple, which he started munching on, "Mmmm...so good. Glad I found a whole farm of these in that...what was that pile of dirt called again? Ponyville? Eh, whatever. Just glad there was a farm of these delicious treats for me to steal."





"WHAT?!" Applejack yelped in Springer's head, making the others all shake in sudden surprise, "That no good, rotten stinkin-"

"Applejack, calm down!" Twilight shushed, "You can make the evil fox pay later. I need to listen to this."

"But that's my apples Twi! My family's apples!" Applejack grumbled, "Grrr...wait! Does that mean Big Mac hasn't been sneaking apple snacks the past few weeks?! I thought he was putting on a few pounds because of that!"

"Nah. He's just been asking for my special super secret apple ice cream sur-eep!" Pinkie squeaked, "Um...nevermind! You didn't hear anything!"

"Pinkie...we can all hear each other." Flash deadpanned, getting a series of giggles from everyone but Applejack. "Now, let's keep listening..."

"Are you listening?!" Shade asked, seeing Springer's eyes fluctuate. "I thought you wanted to know."

"Let's just say...you ticked one of us off." Flash replied as his glare reformed, "Just keep talking."

"Yeah yeah, anyways...as I was saying, I, the greatest being you have ever met, decided to fully start my plan to capture you eight with so much ease that I..."

"I'll explain the rest. He's gonna be like this for a while." Springer commented while resisting the urge to roll his eyes. "I'll start when I woke up in this room."





An hour or so ago...

"Uhh...oh..." Springer moaned as he felt a drip of drool fall out of his mouth, making him slowly lift his head up. "Wha...what the..." His paw started to rub his head as he let out a small set of breaths. "Ugh...my head..."

"You awake? You certainly still seem out of it." said a snarky voice, a series of laughs following this, "Hee hee hee...looks like I did more than I thought."

"That laugh...oh no..." Springer groaned as he kept blinking, rubbing his right eye as he looked up and saw one Shade the Trickster. "Shade..."

"Good morning jakhowl. And before you summon some aura to punch my face, I suggest you take a look around." Shade commented as he pointed to the right of the jakhowl, "Trust me on this."

"I don't..." Springer muttered out as aura flowed out of his paw, now patting his head as his eyes darted to the right, only to go wide-eyed. It was Flash and his friends, all asleep in a series of capsules. "Flash!" he exclaimed before glaring back at Shade, "Shade, what did you-"

"Hold it!" Shade barked back as he pointed at his chair, now showing a tiny button, "Make a move and they're toast. Its that simple."

"Why you-"

Shade flashed a palm, "Don't. I don't know about you, but I'm not in the mood to end all of this in one go." A dark aura encased his claw as he let out a slow breath, "Let's all calm down. I want to enjoy this, and I'm pretty sure you don't want your friends turned into a living barbeque."

A blue flame consumed Springer's paws, both clenching into fists as he glared at the fox, his eyes darting back and forth between him and Flash. His brain soon catching up, the fire started to die down as he slumped in the chair he was in. There, he now saw everything else in the room, seeing several cloaks on every corner and the huge machine between him and Shade, "Okay Shade...what is this?! Where are we and what did you do to me and my friends?!"

"Ah! The million bit question!" Shade snapped his fingers, the machine in front of him now glowing. There, a series of symbols appeared, making Springer lean back as he saw glowing letters shine. "We'll start with this, as its all part of my greatest plan."

"What the-" Springer muttered out as he saw the machine show a blank white map, only for mountains, trees and a castle to form.

"Surprised? I suspected as much, as you jakhowls aren't much into....intelligent things." Shade chuckled as he pointed at the map, "This is a machine created thanks to a few...altercations from plans created by Doom Raizer."

"Doom Raizer? He's part of this?!"

"Oh yes. And this machine is quite the beauty, wouldn't you agree?" Shade added as he tapped the map, it now morphing to show a small castle. Springer blinked at the display, quickly noticing that he didn't recognize the structure in the slightest. Seeing his surprise, Shade let out a giggle, "Hee hee hee...I gotta say, your confused face is fun to watch. It makes the months of work to create this mechanical monstrosity all worth it."

"Why you-"

"Hold it! No need for insults right now." Shade interrupted with flashing a claw, "Tell you what, why don't I just reveal all my cards right now? It'll make things so much easier." The fox leaned forward, his chin soon resting on his claws, "After that, we can start the greatest game of all."

"Game? What game?"

"Oh Springer, don't you remember are first real encounter? You know, back in that uh...whatever that dustball town was called-"

"The town's called Appleloosa."

"And you make it sound like that actually matters." Shade barked back, his tongue flopping out, "Anyways, as I was saying, you remember our encounter there, right?" Springer did a slow, glaring nod, "Good. As I said back then, rule number one with Tricksters is that we live to play games."

"Yeah, I remember that. What does that have to do with this?!" Springer replied as he pointed at the map.

"Simple. This machine is the main part of the game." Shade lifted a single finger as his grin started to grow, "But before we get to that part, we'll answer your other questions. For starters, we're currently in what you call 'Ghastly Gorge'. More specifically, a tunnel of mazes that I found in that canyon area. And if you're wondering about help coming, it won't. Even if someone had a clue, the mazes down here are far too big to get to us before our game is done."





The Present...

"Whoa whoa whoa! Hold up buddy!" Flash exclaimed inside Springer's head, "We're in Ghastly Gorge?! I mean, I know he mentioned that earlier, but...that's barely a few miles from Ponyville! How'd he get away with making this machine in secret there?!"

"Its because he doesn't have an aura." Springer replied with a low hissing tone, "I couldn't sense him, and most traveling ponies tend to avoid that area. And if you're wondering, he said next that he has several cloaks guarding multiple entrances so they can tell him if he has an intruder or not. That means that even if Iron or somepony else was trying to find us....well, if I know Shade, he has a backup plan."

"Eh, makes sense. He obviously had one back at Omniara." Flash commented while grumbling.

"That's not good." Twilight added, "Springer, how did he capture us like this? And just what is his plan?"

"I...still don't fully know the plan. Its obvious there's something else to this than him showing us the past, but as for how he got us..."





Back to an hour or so ago again...

"That's nice and all Shade, but why are you showing me this?" Springer growled with crossed arms, "Or is this just you trying to do some revenge scheme again?"

"You underestimate me jakhowl." Shade remarked as he snapped his claws, another rune activating on the map. This one made the map morph to show seven small figures appear, all that Springer recognized.

"Flash! Everypony!"

"Yes, that's them. They'll be playing a certain role in all of this as well." Shade responded as he leaned forward again, "You see, this machine serves a very special purpose. Its going to show us the past."

"The past?"

"That's right. You see, back when I was working with Doom, I showed him the plans for what you would call...an ancient secret."

A click went off in Springer's brain, "Let me guess, that's the thing you wouldn't talk about back at Omniara."

"Correct." Shade replied with chuckling, "Hee hee hee...nothing gets by you. As for what I gave him, I basically showed him a certain method using rune magic to, how you say, create the object from those times. Now, I will admit that it didn't go well in terms of first impressions over the plan. Thankfully, I had prior knowledge about Omniara thanks to old Trickster teachings."

"What do you mean?" Springer asked while blinking, remembering his time against Doom and old comics Flash would show him that had mad scientists as the villain. "I have a hard time buying that Doom wouldn't want to learn things."

"Under normal circumstances, I would completely agree with you." Shade remarked as he let out a sigh, "Apparently, hating rune magic is something of a tradition in that family, including that...Grand something or other. Something about losing Doom's mother to that magic."

Springer went wide-eyed at this, memories of Solid yelling at Grand back at Canterlot in particular. "Huh...so that's why they hate each other." he whispered to himself before glaring back at the fox, "So, he still helped you with this...'secret'. Was it this machine?"

Shade did a quick nod, "Yes. I showed him a certain method, which needed rune magic to work, and after some...disagreement, he agreed to help. He made a series of blueprints, which I converted into my own pet project after the Omniara incident. Granted, I had to readjust and even create new runes in order for the machine to work, but I'm glad it worked out in the end." The fox placed a claw on his chest, "And before you ask anything, we Tricksters have advanced knowledge of rune magic. Its something we, how you say, designed in older times. Don't question it, as we would be sitting here forever if you wanted me to explain every detail."

"Alright. So you made this machine that...what did you say it was going to do?"

"Show the past." Shade leaned up, resting his chin on one paw with a smirk, "Tell me Springer, have you ever wondered what happened to the jakhowls?"

As that question left the fox's mouth, Springer went stiff as a board. His mind burned with anxiety, fear and confusion. He didn't know how to respond. On one hand, he wanted to just hop onto the map and charge with both fists swinging at the fox. On the other, he wanted to know. As such, a low growl formed as he glared at the monster, "What...do you know?"

Shade's grin grew tens times its size at the question. "Everything. I know what happened, and I can show you. That, after all, is the ultimate game for me. I can't wait for despair to overtake you as he have to watch every single thing happen, all because your friends are under my control."

A layer of blue flames traced itself around the defender, his blood boiling as he responded, "Game?! You think kidnapping my friends is a-"

"Game? Yes. Their lives are nothing to me, but I know they're something to you."

"Shade..." Springer hissed as a blaze of blue fire consumed his fists, "You-"

"Calm down doggo. We're not done here." Shade remarked as he pointed to the button on his chair, "Or do you wanna finish this game now?"

Springer could feel his whole body shake as he tried to force himself from leaping right at the fox. Despite this, he slowly slumped back into the chair as Shade continued, "Good. Now, we'll answer your final question before starting the show. How did I, the magnificent and superior being known as Shade, capture you and your friends?"

Flames still consumed his paws as Springer glared at the fox, "Go on."

"Geez louise, relax a little. You really need to calm down." Shade chuckled as he leaned back in his chair, "As for how I did that great deed, it wasn't much. For starters, I knew I needed some motivation from you, and I had to figure out what that would best be. At the start, I was just gonna go after your partner, but...I kinda wanted to get some more motivation just in case. After all, no point in putting all my eggs in one hostage when I can have several."

"I'm pretty sure you said that saying wrong."

"And you honestly think I care?" Shade spat as he snapped his claws, "Cloak! Bring it to me!" A single cloak walked up to the fox, handing him a small device that had several drawings on it. "This...is how I got you all."

Springer blinked at the device, seeing it was just a sphere with sketches on the sides. "Let me guess, are those runes?"

"Yes. These runes basically spell out the magic runic letters of..." Shade's grin kept growing, "Sleep."

As that word got into the jakhowl's ears, his brain instantly put everything together. "Don't tell me...did you-"

"Used this in that...whatever that giant crystal castle thing you all were in at that Ponyville town? Yes, yes I did. Knocked everyone out almost instantly. So glad that those two other soldiers were there as well." Shade began to fiddle the sphere around his claw, "I gotta say, when I saw that castle thing suddenly appear, I was so happy. I just knew you all would bunch up in that place. Made my job so much easier."

Springer grit his teeth, feeling his teeth bite his lip, "How nice for you." His arms crossed themselves as he tried to calm himself, "So...how did you get Flash and Twilight? They weren't there when you did this."

"Ah yes, that was a bit of a problem." Shade admitted as he gave the sphere back to the cloak. "Lucky for me, when I activated the sleep spell rune, those two were coming out of...some kind of mirror?"

"Its a portal...and a mirror."

"Oooookay. I'm guessing I should ask more questions about that, but I really don't care. As for catching those two, the alicorn fell to the spell pretty easily..." Shade turned to glare at the captured defender, "Not sure why, but the runes weren't working well on your partner. So, I had to get a bit..." Shade lifted his claw, a dark aura covering it, "Physical."

Springer felt his paws clench in anger. "What did you do?"

Shade just shrugged, "Eh, I just had to quickly knock him out. Thankfully, he wasn't fully immune to the rune magic, so it helped me knock him out." The fox pointed to the cloak behind him, "As you can probably guess, the cloaks made getting them to this machine really easily. That includes you too."

Shade tapped the map as his smirk increased, "Now, let's start the show. I'll explain stuff if necessary, but I wanna get this show on the road."





The Present...

"And that's everything. He also said he set up some kind of Trickster rune that blocks aura. That's why I couldn't connect to you Flash." Springer finished with a mental sigh, glaring at Shade as he saw that the fox had just now got started to explaining. "So...not sure I can help, but any questions?"

"No. I think that covers most of my questions." Twilight replied, making the others gasp.

"Really?!" Flash yelped, "Who are you and what have you done with Twilight?!"

"I'm still just Twilight, meathead. I said that because this has answered most of the mysteries over this situation."

"Well, could you update the rest of us?" Applejack asked, "Ah'm still confused over all of this."

"I'll explain...and before you say anything Flash, I'll make it simple. What we now know is how we ended up here, how Shade did this, and...well, I'm still not sure about the why." Twilight hummed at this, "That's what doesn't make sense. Why capture all of us just for hostages? It can't be coincidence, bringing all seven of us here. He also could've just took Lightning, Iron and Spike, but he didn't. He only got us."

"Think he's got another motive? It would make sense."

"I do Flash. Not only that, there's one more question: Why is he showing us this...event in the past? I get him tormenting Springer, as you've told me he does this, but...is this thing even the truth? I mean, wouldn't Princess Luna have told Springer about this after she met him?!"

"That's true...but I have no idea why." Springer replied as he clenched his crossed arms. "Either way, I don't like this. You want me to go ahead and tell him that I've told you everything Twilight?"

"Sure. I'll start thinking of way to get us out of this while he starts showing us more of these past events."

"Got it." Springer responded before tapping the table, making Shade stop his self-praising rant. "Hey Shade, let's continue watching this...past thing."

"Huh?" Shade yelped as he rapidly blinked, putting his paw at his chest, "What do you mean? Don't you want an expla-"

Springer crossed his arms, "I told them everything else. Start it up."

"WHAT?!" Shade screamed, his face morphing into a combination of rage and fury, "What do you mean you told them everything?!"

"Exactly as I said. I told them everything while you were busy praising yourself." Springer spat in a deadpan tone. "Turns out, they like my explanations more than yours."

"Wha...but...I...Augh!" Shade yelled as he gripped the sides of his head, a scream of anger following this. "Seriously?! Do you just hate fun?! You stinkin' aura freak! How dare you mess up my monologue! I didn't spend months on this thing so you can interrupt every piece of dialogue that I wanted to-"

"Just turn the machine on again Shade." Springer grumbled while rolling his eyes, "Me and my friends are waiting."

"Grrr...you blasted, little..." Shade growled, his face contorting to pure red rage as dark aura started to cover his claws.

Springer just smirked at this, "Awww...what's the matter Shade? Your plan all messed up?"

"Don't make fun of me." Shade hissed as he tapped the map, "Let's keep watching. You'll fall into despair soon enough."





Back to the Mane Seven watching Luna and Sharp Paw...

"Springer says Shade is gonna start it up again." Flash announced, getting a series of nods from everypony. After this, Flash glanced at Twilight, "Hey Twi, you...do have a plan to get us out of here, right?"

"I...don't know." Twilight honestly answered, a small sigh following this. "Even now, I'm not sure what we can do. When I looked at the machine that we're stuck in through Springer's eyes, I...I hate to say it, but this machine is super advanced." A bunch of glum frowns responded to her answer, making Twilight lower her head in despair, "Sorry. Ever since I saw those runes from that scene between Vile Rune and Dark Mist, I can't help but feel out paced here. Those spells they had there...I just don't know. I'm...I'm sorry everypony."

Applejack just shook her head, patting Twilight's side, "Aw, don't worry about it Twi. We've all been through plenty of thick and thin, so we'll figure something out."

"She's right. We'll get out of this mess." Flash added with a nod.

A small smile started to show on Twilight's face, "Thank you." She turned to Luna and Sharp Paw, the duo starting to move again, "Its starting. Let's watch."

"Sounds good to me."

As the seven watched the two start to move, it started with Luna flashing her hoof at Sharp. "Stop Sharp. I will not let you fall for Dark Mist's tricks."

"She's right my love." Calm added as she gripped his arm, "Please calm down. You are in front of the rest of the jakhowls."

"I...I..." Sharp growled, blue flames continuing to consume his paws. It was here he saw the look on his mate's face, a calm passionate expression showing itself. The sight made the fire die down, a small sigh following this, "I understand. I...I'm sorry my love."

"Its fine." Calm replied as she patted his side.

Luna did a small giggle as she patted his other side, "Listen to your mate Sharp. After all, we need to keep a cool head to solve this situation."

"You're...you're right." Sharp did a small bow to the princess, "Thank you, partner."

"Of course." Luna chimed in as she turned to the other jakhowls, "Every jakhowl, let us return inside. We will discuss what we need to do after that."

"Yes, your majesty!" they all responded, bowing before running back to the castle. They soon assigned a few lookouts for the castle, all knowing they would be told the plan later. The Mane Seven also followed the group of jakhowl, all sitting down in the throne room for the castle.

"Alright, now that everyjakhowl is here, we'll start the meeting." Sharp announced, the others nodding. "First off, we need to figure out our plan to fight against Dark Mist and the Tricksters."

"As such, we will start with-" Luna began to start, only for her form to flicker. A small wave of light followed this, making the Mane Seven go wide-eyed.

"Seriously?! We're cutting there?!" Flash yelled before putting his hoof over his eyes, blocking the light that began to change the scene around them.





"Augh!" Flash yelped as he rubbed his eyes, "Blast it! Why does this keep happening to my eyes?!"

"Ugh...that is really annoying." Twilight agreed as she kept blinking. As her eyes started to adjust, she saw they were back at the Trickster camp. "Oh...we're back here. That's not good."

"I agree darling." Rarity chimed in, "Oh, why couldn't we have stayed in that majestic castle of Princess Luna's compared to this...dump."

"Ah don't think she means it like that Rarity." Applejack added before pointing at the camp, "Look, there's that no good Dark Mist varmit."

"Yeah. Let's follow him." Flash finished before gesturing to his friends, the others nodding before following his lead. They soon found themselves at the tent from before with Vile and Dark Mist. "Oh goody. We're watching these two again." Flash deadpanned, "Can't wait to hear these evil monologues."

"Quiet Flash. This could be really important." Twilight responded as they all watched Vile lean back in his chair.

"I gotta say Dark, I know you said she hated you, but...wow. Princess Luna does not like you." Vile commented with a dark chuckle, "Though it also makes me think we can confidently make this plan work even more."

"Ki ki ki...I know." Dark giggled as he sat down and tapped the table between them, "That being said, I just ticked off an alicorn, and that means we really need to work together right now. You do realize the stakes here, right?"

"I do. I tried to make backup plans." Vile responded as he took out the gem from before, "That's why I had you get this made, remember? Its to make sure we don't need backups. In fact, considering what you just said...I think I know the perfect name for this weapon."

"What's that?" Dark asked with a raised eyebrow.

Vile's horn started to glow as he levitated the gem in front of the duo, a huge grin on his face. And as he started to talk, Flash's eyes went wide as he stared at the gem. He could feel a shiver down his spine, his pupils shrinking as his brain suddenly clicked at the sight of the gem. A small gasp followed, "No...it can't be."

"Flash? What's wrong?" Twilight asked, frowning at the expression on his face.

"I...I really hope that gem isn't what I think it is." Flash muttered as his ears started to listen to Vile, "Please don't let it be that..."

But his fears were well founded as Vile put his hoof under the gem, only for his horn to levitate another familiar piece of equipment to the table as he asked Dark Mist, "I was thinking of calling it...The Alicorn Amulet. What do you think?"

"Ki ki ki...ki ki ki...I love it."
> Legacy
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


"People have needs. Once they've attained money and power, the last thing they seek is glory. Call it...a legacy."

Keigi Shibusawa


"That is not good. Really, really not good." Flash repeated as he stared at Vile and Dark Mist.

"So...this is the origin of the Alicorn Amulet?" Twilight asked next, rubbing her chin in thought. "To be fair, I never really looked into the object's origin that much. I just knew it existed and it had the power to enhance magic with the cost of corrupting you."

"Does that mean it was also made with rune magic?" Rainbow added with a roll of the eyes, "I mean, it seems like its gonna do everything in all of this."

Twilight shook her head. "No. At least, not completely. Though I wish I could examine it with my own magic, I suspect that that gem is a type of advanced container. That pony from the village that made it, he must be some kind of genius in this era. There's no way something like this could be made in this past era without certain circumstances."

Applejack tapped her side next, "Twilight, no offense, but that sounds like a bunch of horseapples. Didn't you say those bad apples had a bunch of advanced rune magic stuff compared to us?"

"AJ's right. Shade did make that giant machine." Rainbow continued, "I don't think any of us have seen anything like that coming."

"Well...maybe..." Twilight admitted as she put her hoof over her mouth, frowning, "But I've read into Doom Raizer's works after the...Omniara event. He was a genius inventor, mainly with magic powered machines. The advancements he made were considered to be leaps in magic technology development. Princess Celestia told me that she has a team that still goes over his notes to try to replicate them, which I've even viewed at times....yet not much progress has been made. That alone makes this situation even worse."

Flash crossed his hooves at this, "You're right. Shade's using his tech to help with everything, including those blasted cloak puppet things. Doom made a whole army of 'em back at Omniara, and it looks like they can also be used by somepony whose not even a pony!" Flash groaned as he rubbed the side of his head next, "But...that doesn't explain why all of this is happening in the past! Why do the Tricksters have all this stuff?!"

A small sigh escaped Twilight's mouth, "I'm not sure. Part of me thinks this Vile Rune is just like Doom in terms of brains. The other part is telling me that there's something else going on here."

"Well, that Vile Rune pony sure does look evil enough." Rainbow commented as he pointed at the multi-scarred unicorn, "I mean, just look at the guy. He's got evil written all over him."

"I second that." Flash added as he rubbed his nose, "Wanna keep watching for now?"

"Sounds good to me."

Back to Dark Mist and Vile Rune, the unicorn was now putting the gem inside its neck piece. "Alright partner, now..." a small click went off as the gem was set, "I'm going to need time in order for this work. As per usual, I need your Tricksters to set connection runes across the battlefield you've set up for us."

"I know. They laid them all out a few days ago. My minions only need to reactivate their sigils and they'll be ready to go." Dark Mist admitted with crossed claws, "Remember, you're the lynchpin of this plan. If we go to war with them, we will lose. Even with your runes, I don't have enough Tricksters to go around compared to those jakhowls."

"I understand that, and I'm prepared for the outcome." Vile replied as he pulled out another piece of paper, "I just want to confirm your-"

"Are you doubting me Vile?!" Dark interrupted, a slight snarl following this.

"No. I just want you to know we do have the option of running away." Vile responded as he tapped the paper, "There's nothing wrong with losing a little face if it means you can win later."

Dark let out a low growl, "I'm not one to lose face. I am Dark Mist, the greatest being that has ever existed."

"I know, and I'm dedicated to what we're doing here. This amulet could change the world, something I would love to see." Vile replied with a blank face, not showing an inch of emotion, "But I also know that losing and surviving are two different things. I'm more than prepared to give my life in order to gain much more power. I just want to make sure you're ready to take that leap."

"I've said this before. All Tricksters will gladly give everything to kill even one jakhowl, even if it means we have to sacrifice our entire race. That is the lengths of our hatred. It is what gives us our strength."

"Good. Then I have no worries."

"You better." Dark hissed as he turned to leave the tent, "Get some sleep Vile. We're making history tomorrow."

"Same to you." Vile responded as he leaned back in his chair, watching the fox leave. And as he left, he whispered to himself, "Now...how do I profit in this situation the most? I'll be making the most powerful object in existence, so that's a start. But...will it let me go higher? Hmm..."

As these last words left his mouth, the world started to shift again, making the Mane Seven groan, Flash closing his eyes. "Here we go again..."





Back with Springer and Shade...

"So, do ya like the new developments? Looks like your so-called friends aren't liking them." Shade asked with a huge smirk.

Springer just rolled his eyes, "We're watching a bunch of evil weirdos be evil and weird. Of course they're not gonna like it."

"HEY! That's Dark Mist you're insulting! How dare you!" Shade screamed as he slammed his paws into the map. "Show respect-no! Bow to even the memories of the greatest Trickster that has ever lived!"

Springer replied by crossing his arms, "Uh...no. I'm not gonna do that, just like I don't respect you."

"Why you little-I am your superior, you aura snot!"

"And I've beaten you twice. Why should I respect that?"

"Grrr…" Shade hissed as he looked away, "Cloak! Bring me another apple!"

"Aww...what's the matter? Is the big bad fox's feelings hurt?" Springer mocked while sticking out his tongue, "Well, you deserve it!"

"Shut up!" Shade barked as a cloak gave him an apple, "I'll show you! *chomp* I'll show you and *smack* your stinking so-called friends! *gulp* Let's see how you like it when I show you the end!"

"The end of what?"

Shade wiped his mouth of apple juice, a huge grin now shining on his face. "Oh, its not much. Just a little something I like to call...genocide." Springer's eyes went wide at this as Shade took another bite, "Let's watch, shall we?"





The two looked down at the screen, now seeing it morph to a new landscape. Here, it showed a large dusty canyon, complete with a full army of Tricksters. The foxes were lined up in rows, both big and small as they laced the field in their black fur. Dirt and trash were falling off their coats as they walked up and down the area, all anxious for blood.

At the front of the army was Dark Mist, an apple in his claw as he talked to another adult Trickster, "Alright, remember your formation. We only get one shot, and we have to make it count. You have to lead your group to intercept the main force."

"Which means we're nothing but meat shields for the rest of you." the other fox replied, "Don't worry master. We're ready to die."

"Ki ki ki...I know you are. That's why this will work." Dark took a chunk out of the apple with a satisfying chomp, "I'll lure Sharp Paw. He won't dare stay on the sidelines like his precious princess."

"Fu fu fu...I still can't believe you got away with that!" The fox laughed as he ate an apple as well, "Gotta say though, we sure she won't come in and join this fight?"

"She'll join the fight...but she won't go in immediately. She's a simple, naïve pony when it comes to battle." Dark admitted as he finished the fruit, "We're ready for everything."

As Dark continued to talk to the other foxes, an army was approaching the canyon. Leading the charge was Chief Sharp Paw, a look of fierce determination on his face. Beside him was Calm Paw and Princess Luna, both showing the same expressions. As they walked, Luna spoke up, "Sharp, I want you to know one thing as we walk into this."

"What's that, your majesty?"

"I don't approve of this plan, and as such, I will say this..." she turned her head, glaring at the jakhowl, "Whatever happens here, you must come back alive. Both of you."

"I know." Sharp admitted, his eyes shifting to look at the alicorn, "I'm sorry your majesty, but I don't have a choice here. I must face him. It is a chief's destiny to fight Tricksters. That is something all chiefs have done throughout the ages."

"I understand that, but I still do not approve." Luna hissed as she looked back ahead, "Dark Mist is not one to do a suicide mission like this. He knows we outnumber and overpower him. There must be something else at work here."

"I agree." Calm added with a low growl, "He is up to something..."

"And that's why I'm leaving this battle before it begins." Luna declared as she flared her wings, "I'm going to take to sky and hide in the clouds as we discussed."

"Understood. Stay hidden up there and see if you can find out his plan." Sharp replied as he held out his right paw, "Your majesty..."

"You will be fine Sharp." Luna responded as she shook his paw and glanced at Calm, "Take care of him."

"I will."

With that, Luna took to the skies, quickly streaming through the clouds. Thankfully, it was a pretty clouded day, letting her easily slip through the blue yonder. While she did this, Sharp and the jakhowls reached the entrance of the canyon. There, they saw Dark Mist standing alone in the middle of the valley, a huge grin on his face as he gestured to the jakhowl.

"Come on down, 'chief of the jakhowls'!" Dark put his claws into his mouth, "Ki ki ki...come on down, and let's talk!"

"Dark..." Sharp growled as he gestured to the jakhowls behind him, "Everyjakhowl, stay here. Get ready to fight as soon as I give the signal."

"Yes sir!" they all replied in unison.

"Be careful love." Calm added.

"I will." Sharp finished as he looked back at his mate one last time. After this, he stared at his opponent, his eyes glancing up to see an army of Tricksters behind him just like the jakhowls with him. As he did this, his pace started to increase as he got closer to the fox, a low growl coming out of his mouth as he whispered, "Dark Mist...I will sstop you."

Dark Mist started to do a slow clap as he whispered as well, "Ki ki ki...ki ki ki…oh, I've been waiting for this for so long." The Trickster started to walk towards the jakhowl, the two now quietly approaching each other. "At last...I will complete the cycle. I will accomplish the greatest Trickster goal!" He put his claws into his mouth as he continued to laugh, "Ki ki ki...at long last, I will now have a legacy!"

As these final words left his mouth, he took his paws out before coming to a halt, a huge smirk on his face. Sharp was the opposite, nothing but a glare and frown as his expression. The jahowl's form started to burn with blue flames, his whole body showing a monstrous aura from his back. "Alright Dark Mist, what is this about?!"

"Oh? Didn't I explain clearly it yesterday?" Dark mocked while tilting his head, a low giggle following this, "Ki ki ki…this is the final battle. Since your goody-two-shoes princess, which I seriously want to gag at saying that, won't get rid of the law, we're fighting the ultimate fight! Our game of cat and mouse between the two of us these past few years ends here!" Dark raised a claw, glowing letters starting to appear on his chest as he grinned, "Or are you scared? Scared that I'll win and the jakhowls will be no more?!"

"I am many things, Dark Mist." Sharp replied as he raised a paw, consuming it in blue fire, "But if there is one thing I will never be, its afraid of you. I am Sharp Paw, leader of the jakhowls and partner of her majesty, Princess Luna. I will never fall to a monster like you."

Dark just shrugged, "Ah, I had a feeling you would say something stupid like that. Let me guess, you wanna go about the honor of serving that...'alicorn'?!" a spit of venom could be heard in those last words as the fox continued, "Last chance Sharp. Convince her to change the law, or else."

Sharp's feet slowly grinded into the dirt below them, his form taking a fighting stance. "No. I'll never let you win."

"I was hoping you would say that." Dark Mist shined the biggest grin he could muster before turning to his minions behind him, "Tricksters! Today is the day we win! Take them down! Kill them all!" He looked back at Sharp as his body began to glow, runic letters appearing over his entire being, "As for you, your head is mine to take!"

"Bring it!" Sharp roared as he yelled to the top of his lungs, "Take them down jakhowls!"

"FOR PRINCESS LUNA AND CHIEF SHARP PAW!!!" Calm Paw screamed, the others repeating her battlecry as they all charged into the canyon.

Hearing this, the two rivals glared at each other as entire armies charged around them. Sounds of thundering footsteps surrounded the duo as both prepared to fight, Dark speaking up first, "This is gonna be fun!"

"Shut up and fight." Sharp replied as he charged at the fox, his paws instantly turning into Steel Paws. In response, Dark Mist made his both turn to Dark Claws, the two clashing a second later. As they nails hit, Dark immediately began to push Sharp back, his feet grinding into the dirt, "What?!"

"I'm stronger than you now Sharp. These runes-urgh!" Dark tried to say before Sharp retracted the Steel Claw, spinning his body around to dodge Dark's claw before punching him in the face. The blow knocked the fox back, a small smear of blood falling out of his nose, "Augh! You little-"

"I said shut up." Sharp added as he tried to punch Dark two more times, the fox dodging both blows.

"And you're allowed to speak?!"

"No. I'm allowed to beat you." Sharp responded while raising a single paw, an Aura Blast appearing in his palm.

Dark Mist instantly crossed his arms over his face, the aura sphere now hitting his guarded form. But despite this blow, the runes over the fox's arms began to glow, repairing the damage that had just happened. "Ha! You can't hurt me like that!" Dark barked as he created a Dark Blast in his claws, "Now die!"

A blood red aura appeared around the sphere as he began to fire it, the runes glowing at the same time. However, Sharp didn't move, instead summoning a Bone Breaker as he continued to glare at the fox. Seeing this, Dark fired the sphere, a single dead-on hit ready to the strike the jakhowl. But as he started to get close...the sphere went right through the chief.

"WHAT?! How did you-oof!" Dark screeched, only for the end of a Bone Breaker to hit his jaw. Faltering back, he gripped his jaw as he felt the runes start to repair his pain. "How did you..."

"I'm not the same jakhowl that gave you those chest scars back then, Dark. I will win this."





As this fight raged on, Luna continued to fly over the battlefield, completely ignored by the carnage below her. However, seeing this just made her growl in anger, glaring down at Dark Mist, "Curse you...why are you doing this, Dark Mist?! Just what is your plan?!"

Her horn began to glow as she took a deep breath, "I'm really tempted to go down there and defeat them all now...but I know I can't. Something else is happening here..." she began to stare at the rest of the battle, now seeing most of the Tricksters fighting evenly with the jakhowls. Despite being outnumbered three to one, the foxes were able to hold their own. "This isn't good. If they've been given this much power, then-wait!"

Her eyes went wide as she stared behind where the Trickster army once stood. There, two adult Tricksters were standing by what appeared to be a pony. He was surrounded by several pieces of paper, and sparks of magic could be seen around him. "What is that?! Is that your benefactor Dark Mist? Or is that....your plan?!"

Flaring her wings, she nosedived at the unicorn, her horn starting to glow. As she did this, the two foxes felt a burst of wind coming at them, making them look up. But it was too late, as two beams of magic blasted both back instantly. Seeing this, Vile let out a yelp of surprise, "What the heck?!"

"YOU!" Luna yelled as she landed in front of him, "Who are you and why are you with the Tricksters?!"

"Well...this doesn't bode well." Vile whispered as he started to backpedal at the sight of the alicorn. Taking in a deep breath, the unicorn yelled, "What are you two doing?! Get her!"

"Yeah yeah, shut up!" one of the foxes barked back as he ran at the alicorn with both claws covered in dark aura. "Die false ruler!"

"Oh please." Luna replied with a roll of the eyes, her horn instantly blasting another beam at the fox. The Trickster went flying, spirals in his eyes as he landed. The second quickly followed this, only for Luna to slam her left hoof into his head before he could even try to strike.

"That was fast." Vile piped up as he saw the fox fall over. His eyes turned to Luna, a look of pure anger on her face. "Not good."

"I suspect so for you." Luna added as she flared her wings. "Now, who are you and why are you with the Tricksters?"

To any normal pony, this would shake their body to the core in pure fear. Armies would be scared to take on this being as she stared him down...but not Vile. Instead, he shined a tiny smile as his horn began to glow, "My name is Vile Rune, and I've just won. My spell to help the Tricksters win is now complete."

With that, Luna saw the ground below the unicorn begin to glow, hundreds of runic letters now appearing. "Rune magic!" Luna declared as she watched the letters continued to shine, her eyes slowly going back to Vile, "What are you doing?!"

"Simple." Vile responded as he put his hoof into a saddlebag, only to pull out the Alicorn Amulet. "I'm making the greatest weapon ever, all out of sacrificing two Equestrian species."

"Two?!"





"Die!" Dark Mist screamed as he fired a volley of Dark Blasts.

"No thanks." Sharp replied as he consumed his right paw with aura. With this, he stood still as he reflected each incoming sphere with just the back of his paw. As he knocked the fifth projectile away, he pointed at the fox while summoning an Aura Blast. "Seems your running out of strength. That rune isn't enough to beat me."

"Grrr…" Dark growled as he put his claw to his chest, "Shut up! I'm not done..." A blaze of dark aura covered his paw, the rune's glow now increasing. "I'm not done, you stinking jakhowl. I will win this!"

"You'll do nothing fox." Sharp replied as his whole body was consumed in aura. "You won't win."

"I will win...I will..." Dark hissed as he saw Sharp's aura grow, "How...how do you have that much power?! HOW?!"

"I'm not an idiot, Dark Mist." Sharp responded as he cricked his paws, "Before this battle, we jakhowls connected our aura together. We knew you would try something with those runes you showed us yesterday, so all of us jakhowls are connected, even the young back home are sending their aura to us."

"No...no..." Dark whispered as he started to backpedal. A look of fear expressed itself...only for his mouth to curve, "It looks like Vile was right."

"What? Who's Vile?" Sharp asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Just my partner." Dark chuckled as he raised his claw, a rune glowing on the paw, "We made sure to scare you into connecting all your auras together. Tell me, is every jakhowl connecting to you and every jakhowl in this army? I sure hope it is."

Sharp clenched his paws, "Dark...what have you done?"

"Considering your reaction, I'll take that as a yes. Excellent." Dark's grin started to grow, "I knew you would do this. And all thanks to your aura-loving ways...I've won." Dark replied as he took a fighting stance. "As soon as I beat you, all the jakhowls will fall in one fell swoop!" He charged the dog, his claws ready to strike, "Die!"

But as he tried to hit the jakhowl, the fox felt something. He could feel his fur standing on end, his vision blurring as Sharp got closer. Then, it happened. Dark Mist blinked, his eyes slowly closing as Sharp disappeared from his sight. And as he did this, Dark felt it. Pain. Unending pain all over his body.

"Blaugh!" Dark screamed as five teeth flew out of his mouth, his eyes blasting open as he felt a series of blows hitting his head. The fox backpedaled as he tried to focus his vision, only to see his opponent. The jakhowl was now covered in aura, his form almost glitching as he continued to walk up to the fox. "Wha...what is this?!"

"My newest technique." Sharp declared as he cricked his paws, "It allows me to use my aura to enhance my body and allow me to go at high speeds. I call it...Aura Velocity."

"Aura Velocity?! What are you-urgh!" Dark yelped as he felt another ten blows hit him in just a split second. Blood began to stream down his face as another punch struck his chest, "Augh!"

"Its over!" Sharp yelled as he hit him again, this one being a series of sixteen punches before reeling back for an uppercut. "Just give up!"

POW!

That was the final blow, the punch knocking Dark Mist over. And as his form's back struck the dirt, Sharp slowly walked up to him, summoning a Bone Breaker just in case. "Give up Dark Mist. Give up and tell your Tricksters to surrender." Sharp looked up for a second, now seeing the jakhowls beat the rest of the Tricksters. Even with the runes, the jakhowls numbers overcame them with ease. "See? You've lost."

"No...no..." Dark panted as he spat out a blob of blood. "I'm far...from done."

Sharp stared back down, pointing the aura bone at him, "No, you're done."

But as he glared at the fox, he saw a grin appear on his blood-stained face. The sight alone made Sharp shake, only to feel a claw grab his foot. Quickly reacting, he smacked the paw away with the Bone Breaker, hopping back a second later. Unfortunately, it was too late, as Sharp looked down and saw a runic letter appear on his foot.

"What...what did you do?!"

"Ki ki ki…" Dark giggled as he raised his paw, the runes on it now gone. "I just won."

Before Sharp could say anything, he could feel his aura flare. It felt like his body was melting, as if he was becoming a pile of mush. He looked down and saw runic letter begin to appear on his body, only to see lights shine all around him. He stared at the battlefield, now seeing every jakhowl glowing with the rune letters. "What...what is..."

Dark Mist slowly got up, his right paw holding his left arm up, "Ki ki ki...I win. You're finished."

"What is this?! What did you do?!" Sharp yelled as he pointed his Bone Breaker at the fox...only for it to fall apart. "What?!"

"The aura is gone. Its now mine." Dark replied as he patted his chest, "These are connection runes. The one on me is connected to the all the Tricksters, all here to give me extra power. As for yours," he pointed at the jakhowl, laughing, "Ki ki ki...yours is gonna connect your aura to my partner's new weapon, along with all the others jakhowls you're connected to!"

"WHAT?!"

"Yes..." Dark Mist did one last chuckle as both his and Sharp's body started to glow. The duo started to see their bodies fading, the runes on their bodies glowing like beacons. "Ki ki ki…your connections, your bonds are your weakness Sharp!"

"No they aren't! They're what-" Sharp yelled, only to see his right paw start to fade, "Wha...what's going on?! What is this?!"

Dark Mist just shook his head as a huge grin graced his face. With this, Sharp gasped as he saw Dark Mist start to fade away, "This is the end. The end for both our races." Dark Mist tried to put his claws into his mouth, only for them to fade. Despite this, he just laughed, "Ki ki ki...all must be sacrificed to kill the jakhowls. And I...I am finally happy."





Back at Luna, she now saw the runes glowing across the battlefield. Looking back at Vile, she saw the biggest grin on his face, "What did you do?! What is this?!"

"Didn't you hear me? I'm making the greatest weapon ever created." He lifted the necklace up, "I call it the Alicorn Amulet, as it will allow me to overcome even disgusting pests like you! With its power, I will be above you alicorns!" Vile let out a long laugh, "And its all thanks to Dark Mist!"

Luna's horn flared as she stared the unicorn down, "You'll never win." She growled as she took a glance back at the battlefield, "I don't know what you've done, but I refuse to let you win."

"You know, I'll gladly tell you what I've done." Vile chuckled, the smirk on his face growing, "Its quite simple. I've used connection runes on every Trickster, and their energy will be used as my battery, along with the jakhowl!"

"WHAT?!"

"Oh, you shouldn't be so surprised. Thanks to Dark Mist, he put a special connection rune I created onto Sharp Paw." Vile tapped the amulet with a dark grin, "This rune is specifically made to absorb aura, and my partner has told me plenty about Sharp Paw. He knows he'll connect his aura to every jakhowl he can, as bonds are what make the jakhowls strong. Heh...I know exactly what kind of jakhowl he is, and that's why we'll win!"

"And that bond I have with him will defeat you!" Luna countered as she fired a beam of magic at the amulet, only for a barrier to appear, "What?!"

"You don't think I'm prepared? I will win this." Vile remarked as he pointed at the battlefield behind her, "Look...its already happening! My amulet will be completed!"

Luna turned around, her eyes going wide. Alongside her was the Mane Seven, all staring as they saw runes activate on the Tricksters. But as they did this, runes began to appear on every jakhowl in the battlefield, the runes connecting through Sharp's aura. A swirl of dark energy began to appear above the canyon, every jakhowl and Trickster's bodies now starting to fade.

"What...what is this?!"

"Didn't I already explain it?! Every jakhowl and Trickster is going to die!" Vile yelled as his horn's magic engulfed the amulet and flung it above the canyon, "Go my weapon! Absorb both races so I may become all powerful!"

"NO!" Luna screamed as she fired a volley of beams, all hitting the barrier. She could see it start to break, but it was too late. Before she could turn to strike Vile, she saw the amulet going into the swirling spiral of dark energy, only for it absorb every bit into the amulet. She then looked down, her eyes going wide as she saw the new sight.

Nothing.

The battlefield was empty, every single jakhowl and Trickster was gone, even the two she had just knocked out beside her. It had only taken a few seconds, but both races were now gone. Her form shook in fear as she saw every single creature there be absorbed into the amulet. And as this happened, she saw lights in the distance start to shine...only to go slack-jawed in fear as she saw what they truly were.

They were the rest of the jakhowl, what was left of the clan that were at her castle...and they were being absorbed as well because they were connected to their chief, Sharp Paw and the rest of the jakhowls that were on the battlefield.

"NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!" the princess screeched, tears bursting out of her eyes as she turned back to Vile, "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!"

"Simple." Vile chuckled as his horn flared, the amulet reappearing by his side. "Victory."





"And that's it." Shade said as he tapped the map, the screen of Luna and Vile freezing.

"What do you mean that's it?!" Springer screamed, slamming both fists into the table. "You just-"

"Hold it!" Shade interrupted with a flash of his claw, "We're not done yet. We're just done with that part of the story. Now-"

"Shut up!" Springer screeched, his whole body erupting in blue flames, "You just showed me my entire race getting killed!"

"I did." Shade spat back with his tongue sticking out, "And that includes my race as well. We're both victims here Springer, don't forget that. Now, sit back down, as we're not done here. That is, unless you want to...you know." Shade motioned to the seven capsules to the right of Springer while wearing a big grin on his face. "We can always start that part of the show."

"I...you..." Springer's eyes began to twitch as he felt his body start to go into his battle form. Despite this, the jakhowl slowly went back into his seat, his whole form shaking in rage. A small whisper followed this as he glared at the fox, "What happens next?! Show it to me now!"

But as this question left Springer's mouth, Shade's grin disappeared. Instead, he let out a small sigh as he shook his head, "Truth is...I don't know."

"You...don't know?!" Springer barked back, "How could you not know?! Is this all a lie?! Is that what this is?!"

"No." Shade flatly replied, his tone firm and resolute. "Its the full truth. Both our races were absorbed into the weapon you know as the Alicorn Amulet, and that's the end of the history of the Tricksters. I can't go beyond that, as they're gone, just like your kind. Its the end of their story."

"But-"

Shade flashed a paw at the defender. "Let me continue, as there's still a few things to go over. Now, according to the research I've done on the amulet since I got to Equestria, the item grants the user a constant flow of power, which I assume comes from the jakhowls. As for its corrupting element..." Shade's grin started to return, "Well, you can guess that one."

A blast of steam released itself from Springer's nostrils as he continued to stare at the fox, "So...you don't know?! Both our races are gone to some....stupid necklace?! Are you kidding me?!"

"I'm not." Shade responded as he leaned back before snapping his fingers, "Not only that, we're not done here. Let's watch this next scene, shall we?"

Springer glanced back at the table, watching the entire map suddenly shift into something new. No longer did it show a battlefield, the Trickster camp or Luna's castle. Instead, it morphed into a familiar mountain with a city on its side. "Canterlot?"

"Oh yes, Springer." Shade chuckled as he leaned forward with a now huge grin on his face, "You'll definitely not like this next part. Watch."





Back with the Mane Seven...

Out of the seven, six were now crying. Tears of fear, sadness and grief were on their faces while the only one not shedding water was Flash. Instead, he was gripping his mouth, feeling like he was going to throw up despite not being able to in this situation. All seven were watching as the battlefield faded away, but they were unable to comment for another minute as they thought about what they just saw.

"Good heavens...did that really just happen?" Rarity asked first, her whole form shivering.

"Ah...ah don't know." Applejack replied before looking at Twilight, "Twi...you don't think-"

"I don't know. I...I just don't know." She put her hoof to her forehead, "To think...rune magic being used for such a horrible purpose. And...and the jakhowls…"

"Oh, poor Springer." Fluttershy whimpered out, Rainbow patting her with her wing. "Those poor jakhowls. Nothing should go through that."

"Yeah." Rainbow sniffed, "That...was messed up."

"No kidding." Flash finished as he slumped over. "That made me feel sick. I...I can't believe that's the truth." The defender glanced over at his friends, seeing the pure despair on their faces. Seeing this made him think of Springer, knowing that he would be in even more pain after seeing that. "Springer...I...gotta contact him." Flash closed his eyes, only to immediately open them in pain. "Yow!"

"What's wrong?" Twilight asked as she saw him hold his head in pain.

"Its Springer. He's in pain...and I can't connect to him right now cuz of it."

"Makes sense. I mean, look at what he just saw." Rainbow chimed in, only to turn and now see the scenery start to change into Canterlot. "Huh? Where are we now?"

"This is...Canterlot?" Flash added as he started to recognize the buildings. "But why are we...wait, this is-"

"The Canterlot Cathedral?!" Twilight gasped as she saw the building now coming into view. Seeing this, she put her hoof to her chin, "But why would we be seeing this? Canterlot didn't exist back then."

"I don't think we're in the past anymore Twilight. Or, at least that far in the past." Flash commented as everypony turned to him, only to see him pointing at a guard pony with saddlebags walking into the church. "Recognize him?"

"Its...Shadow Spear?!" Twilight yelped, remembering the guard from when they 'snuck' into the Starswirl the Bearded Wing of Canterlot Castle over the time spell scroll. "What's he doing here?"

"I'm guessing something in the past. Recent past probably." Flash responded as they watched him walk past everypony and up to the middle of the building.

There, he opened one of his saddlebags and began leaning over, grumbling as he began sweeping the floor with his hooves, "Can't believe I have to do clean-up duty. I wanted to enjoy the parade, but no! Go clean up the cathedral Shadow Spear! It'll build character Shadow Spear! Blasted Grand Hoof..." The guard put a few dark red shards into the bag and turned to go to a nearby staircase, "Now I gotta clean up there too."

"Clean the cathedral?"

"Parade?"

Twilight and Flash both hopped in place as those questions clicked in their brains, both turning to each other, "The Fantasia Festival!"

"Wait...what?! Why are we at the festival? Wasn't that like...almost a year ago?" Rainbow asked, only to get two nods in return.

"It was. Not only that, remember what happened at the festival this last year."

Rainbow rubbed her chin in thought, "Um....Lightning went crazy and turned us all into statues?"

"Yeah...and I think I know why we're being shown this." Twilight replied as she crossed her hooves, "After all, one of the reasons he went crazy was-"

"Hee hee hee...hee hee hee!" squeaked out a small little laugh, making everypony hop in place. They turned to the chuckle, only to go wide eyed at the next sight. Under a pew, a tiny ball of fur popped out, giggling to itself as it started to walk over to center of the church. "Hee hee hee...hee hee hee! What a dumb guard! Didn't even notice me!" He put his paw into his hair, soon pulling out a large, broken dark red gem shard. "Hee hee hee...looks like I'm free! Free at last!"

"Aw crap." was all Flash could say as they others glanced at him.

"Flash, is that-"

"Yup." the defender responded as they watched the ball of fur begin to leave the building. "That's Shade. That means..." Flash's eyes went wide as his brain clicked another fact into place, "Aw, double crap."

"What?" Rainbow asked next.

"I...I think this is saying I'm responsible for Shade." The pegasi turned to his friends with a glum frown on his face, "Twilight, you don't think when I broke the Alicorn Amulet when I fought Lightning, that uh..."

"Yeah. I think you're right Flash." Twilight responded, now seeing despair overtake him completely. His ears flopped down as he slumped over. In response, she walked up and gave him a hug, "Flash...you couldn't have known."

"I know...I just..." Flash mumbled out as he lowered to the ground, "Springer...I'm so sorry."





Meanwhile...

"And there you have it." Shade finished as he began to laugh, "Hee hee hee...I have to say, I was so happy when I found out."

"Wha...I...don't...huh?!" Springer yelped as he slumped back into his chair, "What the heck was that?!"

"Simple." Shade replied as he pointed at the jakhowl, "Your partner, in the greatest of ironies, unleashed me upon this world. He destroyed the Alicorn Amulet, all to release me into Equestria. All so I could torment you! Hee hee hee...hee hee hee!"

"But...but..."

"How did I do it? Its quite simple, really." The fox put a claw over his head, "My master was prepared after all. He knew the possibility of the plan would not kill all the jakhowls, so he made sure there was a backup." As he rubbed his paw on his hair, a pair of symbols began to appear on his fur. "See? Look familiar?"

Springer's eyes went wide, his memories flooding his mind as he recognized the runes, "No...don't tell me..."

Shade's grin began to grow, "Oh yes. I was the Trickster that Dark Mist gave his promise too. You saw it when he patted my head and shook my paw all those years ago. I so wanted to please him...to be like my master, the glorious Dark Mist!" Shade put his claws up to his mouth, his eyes now staring upward as he chuckled, "Hee hee hee...I was the one he picked! He gave me the right to destroy the last jakhowl! Hee hee hee...hee hee hee!"

But as that last laugh exited his mouth, his eyes started to shine as a dark aura covered his body, "Hee hee hee...and now, I shall accomplish his work! I will kill the final jakhowl!" Before Springer could say anything, Shade put his claw on the table, a new set of runes appearing. "And then...I will do what Dark Mist could not! I will complete his final goal!"

Runic letters started to glow in front of the fox, only to morph into a rectangle. There, the map shed away from the rectangle as the machine began to move something up in that rectangle. Springer just blinked at the sight, "What...what is that?"

"The key to my victory." Shade replied as he glared at the jakhowl, "You see, I lied about all of this."

"Lied?!" Springer replied, slowly getting off the chair with fists burning in blue flames.

"Hold it! Your friends lives are still mine." Shade remarked as he pointed to the button in his chair. "I only lied about this machine's true purpose."

Springer didn't sit down, instead just snorting out a blast of air as he sarcastically replied, "Oh yeah? I'm sure glad I didn't trust you from the start."

"I know you didn't." Shade chuckled as he pointed at the rectangle. As he did this, a small box the same length as the rectangle began to come out of the map. Like it was a secret compartment, the container slowly lifted itself out, sounds of gears moving the box upward. Its entire form was cackling with electricity, sparks of magic forming around it. "You see, this machine isn't meant to be a map or something that tells the past. Truth is...that was all a distraction. Something that I had created to overlap what this machine was truly made for."

His paw reached out and tapped the box, the top popping off instantly. And as it fell onto the table, Springer's eyes went wide, a low gasp following this, "Wha...is that?"

"Indeed it is." Shade remarked as he used two fingers to pry the object out of the box. It was the Alicorn Amulet, brand new and functional. "Behold...my greatest achievement!"

"How did you-"

"How did I do it? Simple really." Shade smirked as he pointed to the right, Springer turning to see his friends in their capsules. "That answer your question?"

"My friends?!"

"Oh yes. Those tubes aren't just for letting them see a sneak preview of the past. The runes on them allow power, mainly magic power, to be siphoned from those seven." Shade replied as he put the amulet on his neck, a clicking sound soon clacking out behind his head. "As we've seen before, it took two whole races to make this thing. I knew I couldn't make something like that in this modern time, as I would need two whole races again...unless I could acquire the most powerful force currently in Equestria!" Shade tapped the amulet as a dark aura covered his body, the necklace shining as his grin began to grow, "Behold...the power of the Elements of Harmony! All of that power now trapped within this sacred weapon! Granted, I was a bit scared it wouldn't be enough, mainly because I had to keep them alive to distract you, but that's okay. After this fight, I can recharge the amulet and suck them forever dry!" Shade pointed at the jakhowl with a huge grin, "As for you, you'll be my test run! I know this amulet I've made is nowhere near as powerful as two races combined, but I'll still win!"

"You won't-"

"I will." Shade put his claws up to his mouth, "I'll admit this amulet isn't as powerful, and there's also the fact that there won't be the corrupting element in it...but I knew it would be all worth it after I saw that rainbow encompass Equestria! They had beaten Tirek, a monster from my era that even us Tricksters feared. And now with their power, I have ascended! I will win!"

Shade began to lift his paws up to the ceiling, a look of pure bliss now on his face as he began to yell, "At last...the Tricksters will have their revenge! I will be their revenge! I will fulfill Dark Mist's greatest goal! Hee hee hee...hee hee hee!" Shade looked back down at Springer, his claws now in his mouth as he declared, "I will destroy the final jakhowl! And when I have destroyed you...I will complete the cycle!"

"So that's it?!" Springer barked back, making Shade tilt his head. "That's your plan?!"

"Hm? But of course it is. I'll kill you, then-"

"Shut up." Springer spat as his form began to glow, only to turn into his battle form. "I've heard enough! You do all this setup, all this crazy rune mumbo-jumbo, all this pain you do to me and my friends..." Springer's eyes shrunk as he hissed, "All for a stupid necklace?!"

"Not just the amulet." Shade remarked as he took his claws out of his mouth, now pointing a finger at the jakhowl. "You did hear what Dark Mist said, did you not? He spoke of the greatest rule we Tricksters live by."

"Which is?"

"No matter what happens, we'll do whatever it takes to kill even a single jakhowl." He put his claw to his chest, closing his eyes, "Even if it means we sacrifice our entire race, our souls, our way of life..." the fox reopened his eyes, a look of pure killing intent in them. "If it kills even one jakhowl, it is worth it! That is our hatred!"

"That's...that's insane!" Springer yelled as his fists burned in fury, "How could you possibly think that?! To see things like that!"

"I'm insulted you asked that jakhowl. Our hatred for your race is beyond anything you can imagine." As that sentence ended, a blast of dark aura flowed from his body, making the hairs on Springer's fur stand on in. Springer could feel it now, the power of the amulet now flowing into the fox. Despite this though, Shade continued to speak, "We will do anything we can to destroy your race. Since the very beginning, we have done everything we can to kill your species, to make sure it never exists. We especially find your ability to converse and communicate with life with your aura as...repulsive. It makes me sick just thinking about it."

Springer didn't know what to say. He could feel the hatred pouring off of the fox, a low breath coming out as he replied, "Even if you think that, I'm-"

"Going to do nothing." Shade interrupted as he pointed at the jakhowl, "I'm going to kill you now, and that's the end of it. After that, I will complete the final goal of Dark Mist, one he could only accomplish after the jakhowls were all confirmed dead and gone."

"Which is?"

"The death of Princess Luna."

The statement made Springer go wide-eyed, his whole body feeling a shiver go down it as he replied, "What?! Why-"

"Isn't it obvious? She is the ruler of the jakhowl. As such, I will fulfill Dark Mist's wish, and eliminate the one who let the jakhowls live in Equestria. After all, I can't think a bigger crime than letting your disgusting species actually live in...harmony." He pulled back his claw, clenching it into a fist, "I will have the Princess of the Night's head on a plate, and you will not stop me! I am now supreme! I have the power...and I will win! I am Shade, the second Dark Mist!" He lifted his paws into the air, shouting like the villagers from the start of the history they had been shown, "HAIL DARK MIST! HAIL HIM, FOR HE HAS GIVEN ME THIS OPPORTUNITY!!! HAIL DARK MIST! HAIL-"

"ENOUGH!" Springer screamed, making Shade look back down at him. "I...have heard...enough."

THOOM!

That was the sound of the solid stone chair Springer once sat on, now in pieces from a single backward punch. The jakhowl's battle form was now blazing in aura, including his fist. "Let's just fight already."

"I was hoping you'd say that." Shade remarked as he snapped his claw, two cloaks appearing behind him before pushing his chair away. "After all, I don't need the hostages anymore. They've played their part as my battery, and I so want to fight you one on one. Killing you while using them like that just wouldn't be any fun, and-"

"Shut up!" Springer interrupted, cricking his neck. "Just shut up and fight."

A dark aura consumed Shade as the amulet began to shine underneath his chin, "Gladly."
> The Fox and the Hound
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


"Power isn't something you can give or take. It's something you use to defend those that are dear to you. You'll understand once you find someone you want to protect." - Cream the Rabbit


"RRRAAAUUUUGGGHHHHH!!!" Springer screamed as he hopped onto the table, his paws fully lit with flaming blue aura. Pure anger was seething from his face, his nose snorting air as a loud, vicious growl grinded from his mouth's fangs. And as he charged, he yelled at the top of his lungs, "SHADE!"

"BRING IT SPRINGER!" Shade barked back as he hopped onto the table as well, his whole body now covered in an oozing, black misty aura. The amulet was now shining at full force, a dark red shine plastering itself over the fox's body as his claws started to show a murky pitch-black aura flame in them.

At the very center of the map were the two beasts, both fully powered as Springer's left shoulder collided with Shade's right. The collision put them in a standstill, both other arms now raised above their heads as flames flared from their fists. And as they stood like this, neither budged a millimeter, movement now completely gone as they glared into each other eyes.

"I'm gonna beat you Shade!" Springer hissed as they continued to push each others' shoulders. "This ends here!"

In response, Shade's mouth opened as his tongue stretched to where it was almost touching his own shoulder, "Fat chance, you aura freak! With this amulet, I will kill the final jakhowl!" The shoulders both felt their respective owners start to grind into each other as Shade laughed, "I will become the second Dark Mist! Then nothing will stop me from taking the head of the Princess of the Night!"

"Oh, shut up!" Springer barked back as he swung a right jab into Shade's face, only to hit him with a left next, then another right. Two more punches followed this, the final punch making Shade backpedal slightly.

"Okay...someone's angry." Shade muttered as he hopped back, dodging Spinger's sixth punch. "Seems we'll have to change this situation."

It was here that Springer hit him with his seventh punch, the top of his knuckles grazing the fox's neck. But despite the pain, Shade reached out both arms, snagging Springer's wrists. Feeling this, Springer tried to pull back, only to feel his body start to go up into the air. "Huh?"

"Time's up! We're moving locations!" Shade declared as he threw Springer over his body, the jakhowl suddenly finding himself now flung over to where Shade used to be sitting. Quickly spinning, Springer recovered and landed on his feet, just in time to glare back up at Shade as the fox snapped his fingers. "Cloaks, spin him!"

The sound of rumbling stone followed this, causing the jakhowl to dart his eyes around and see the rock wall behind him start to move. Before he could react, the wall spun like an old school trapdoor, pushing Springer back. "What the heck?!" he yelped as the wall spun a 180, putting him in another room. "What did he-"

"Sorry about that." Shade commented as he appeared to Springer's right side. "I had this set up because I knew we would get into a fight at some point. Thanks to my trapdoor, we can fight in here."

"What are you-" Springer stuttered out before hitting the wall, only for it to stay still. "Huh?"

"Don't try it. I'm having the cloaks keep the wall locked. After all, I can't have you messing up my machine." Shade added as he walked into the middle of the room. "And as you can see, this room is empty, expect for the lights I've set up, making it the perfect place to fight."

Springer's eyes glared at the room, seeing that it was just as Shade said. It was a rock/cave room with nothing in it except some lanterns on the top edges of the room. The light was enough to show the entire room, making everything visible. Seeing this, Springer let out a sigh and raised his fists, "Guess I don't have a choice. I'll save Flash and the others later."

"Oh, you won't be saving them." Shade replied with a cocky smirk, his claw now fiddling with the amulet as an aura started to cover his back, "I've already won. All you have to do is-"

POW!

"Blugh!" Shade yelped as a fist slammed the side of his face, a tooth flying out. A small 'tink' followed this, the tooth hopping on the stone floor. "Ow..."

"Just shut up and fight."

"Oh, I wouldn't say that jakhowl." Shade responded before looking back at Springer, his mouth now fully open. "Look."

Springer's eyes went wide as he saw the previously removed tooth start to regenerate, making him gasp, "How-"

"This isn't the same Alicorn Amulet, Springer. It is made from The Elements of Harmony after all." A blaze of dark aura consumed his chest as the amulet started to glow, "As I said before, I have ascended."

"Sure you have." Springer replied as he raised a single paw at the Trickster, "Aura Blast!"

The sphere instantly shot across the room, blasting Shade in the face. But there was no yell of pain. Instead, silence followed as a cloud of dust covered the Trickster's face. And as it faded, it revealed one Trickster, complete with zero damage done. As such, Shade shined a huge grin, "Care to try again?"

"Aw crap."





Meanwhile...

"Augh!" Flash yelped as he rubbed the sides of his head. "Shoot!"

"What's wrong Flash?!" Twilight asked as she patted his side, "What happened with Springer?"

"I...urgh...lost connection." Flash replied as he shook his head. "He's now fighting Shade...and it doesn't look good."

"How so? What did Shade do?"

Flash turned to his friends, a low sigh following, "Looks like this whole thing was just a big old scam. Shade said that everything we saw was real history...but that wasn't why he showed it to us."

"What do you mean?" Rainbow responded with a tilted head, "Wasn't this all to make Springer angry at the guy?"

"It was...but that wasn't the real goal." Flash bit his lip as he said the next words, "Looks like Shade did all this so he could cook up a new Alicorn Amulet."

"A new one?!" the girls all yelped in unison.

"But...but how?!" Twilight added, blinking in disbelief.

"Us. Or more specifically, The Elements of Harmony." Flash replied with crossed hooves, the others all grimacing at what he was implying. Despite this, he continued, "He used us as his personal battery and did all this history junk to buy time. Though considering what I was watching through Springer's eyes, I'd say this amulet has totally different powers."

"Like what?"

"Looks like this one heals him. I'm also guessing it'll give him more strength, but that's obvious." Flash stared directly at Twilight, seeing sadness on her face. "Twilight...we gotta get out of here. We need to help Springer."

Twilight let out a sigh at this, "I know Flash...but I don't know what to do. There's only two ways I can think of to get out of this."

"What are they?"

The alicorn crossed her hooves, "One is that we do a counter spell against this machine, which would mean me making a new rune magic that goes against it. After all, this machine is obviously run by rune magic...but I can't use my horn and I have nothing to write with to make runic letters."

"And the second method?"

"Springer breaks the machine."

Flash's eyes shrunk at that. "Uh...about that..."

"What? What's wrong?"

"Let's just say...Springer isn't near the machine right now."





"Steel Paw!" Springer yelled as he did an upward slash, Shade reflexively dodging with a backpedal. The three sharp dagger-like claws just barely missed Shade's chin, which the fox responded with a Dark Claw swipe. Springer took a sidestep at this, the claw now going right at the jakhowl's head. Jerking his head left, the claw swung above his head, a tiny strand of fur clipping off at the same time.

With this dodge in mind, both combatant's feet began to move, the two hopping backward. As they landed at opposite sides of the room, they went into a fighting stance as Shade chuckled, "Hee hee hee...not bad. You've improved since our last-urgh!"

"I said, shut up!" Springer interrupted as he rushed in and did a horizontal kick, his feet smacking the side of Shade's head. In that motion, the jakhowl spun around while summoning another Steel Paw, only to slam it right into Shade's gut. The blow made spit fly out of the fox's mouth, only for his jaw to feel Springer's Steel Paw uppercut it shut. Shade's feet began to lost their grip on the ground as he started to go airborne. That is, till Springer grabbed his leg and started to spin him around. Muscles flaring as a blue aura covered his arms, Springer spun the fox around once before letting go, Shade now colliding with the stone room's wall.

BAM!

"Oof!" Shade yelped as he felt pain cover his back, his body reflexively pulling forward. As he did this, the wall started to show a small bipedal fox-shaped indention. The fox groaned as he pushed himself out of the stone, "Ugh...violent much?! How about you give me a-blurgh!"

A fist smashed into his face, slamming him back into the wall. Tiny smears of blood could be seen as he hit Shade in the face again, blue aura now consuming the jakhowl's fist. "Give it up Shade! I'm still better than you!" Springer yelled as he hit Shade again, the punch pushing the fox deeper into the wall. "I'm-"

And as that word left the jakhowl's mouth, two claws suddenly stretched out of the rubble, gripping Springer's head. Before he could react, the claws swung a hard left, throwing Springer's face directly into the same wall. Pain took over as the jakhowl felt the broken rubble kiss his face, only to feel Shade pull his head back and thrust him into the wall again. And again.

"Not so tough now, huh?!" Shade yelled as he pulled Springer's head back for a fourth time, "If you'd just let me finish a sentence, I'd-"

POW!

"Blaugh!" Shade yelped as the back of Springer's fist hit the fox's face, the spike in it piercing his flesh for a split second. The blow made him stumble back, his paws now rubbing his face, "You have got to be-"

"Shut up!" Springer screamed as he hit Shade's stomach, spit again flying out of the fox's mouth. After that, Springer pulled the fist back, ready to hit his face, only for Shade to reach his paw and grab the incoming attack. In response, Springer swung the other, Steel Paw now over the clenching fist as he tried to swipe at Shade's face, only for the other claw to block it. Seeing this, he pulled both arms back, hopping backward at the same time as he summoned a Bone Breaker.

"Seriously?! You do remember what happened last time you used that against me?!" Shade barked as Dark Claws covered both his paws.

"I'm counting on it!" Springer replied as he swung the weapon, Shade blocking and shattering the bone at the same time. But as the aura bone broke apart, Springer spun like a top, proceeding to swing his right leg up into the air and right into Shade's face. Feeling the impact of the kick, Shade reflexively swung upward, slashing Springer's leg, causing him to flinch in pain.

"Got ya!" Shade cheered as he started to charge at the jakhowl, both claws at the ready. In response, Springer tried to punch him directly in the face, but Shade was too quick. Both claws slashed the side of the jakhowl's face, making him stumble back as Shade proceeded to kick him in the stomach. And as Springer slid back from the blow, dirt grinding his feet, Shade laughed, "Hee hee hee...looks like you're slowing down. Now, if you would let me-"

"Shut up!" Springer interrupted as he hopped forward, swinging a right hook. Seeing this, Shade prepared to block, only to notice too little too late that it was a feint. Instead, Springer swung his right leg up like a blade, the end of the foot uppercutting the fox's jaw. Pain came next as Shade felt the blow rattle the nerves of his brain, only to now feel a punch to the stomach again, pushing him back. Despite this, he didn't fall over, a low aura shining in the amulet as it covered his body.

"Urgh…" Shade grumbled as his legs shook, making him slightly waver. "Alright...this isn't going exactly as planned." Shade cricked his neck before looking down at his body, only to notice the slashes from Springer's first Steel Paw attack now fading, "Or maybe it is. I did just put it on, and as they say, slow and steady wins the race." Shade glanced back up at Springer, "So, ready for-"

POW!

An aura-filled fist smashed into Shade's face, this time three teeth flying out. Blood could start to be seen drooling off the lips, only for Shade to just shine his usual grin, "As I was saying..." Springer growled at the next sight as all three teeth grew back at the same time. "Ready for-"

"Aura Blast!" Springer yelled as he raised his paw again, firing another sphere.

"Oh, come on!" Shade moaned as the projectile came for him. Putting up both claws, the fox thrusted them at full force. The following exchange caused the sphere to explode, injuring both paws. However, as soon as the dust from the blast began to fade, Shade lifted his claws up to be seen, the injuries already starting to disappear. "There we go. Now, let's try this-"

"Bone Breaker." Springer interrupted as he summoned the aura weapon.

"Or not." Shade commented, only to feel the end of the weapon smack his face. But as it hit him, Springer went wide-eyed as the weapon split in half, all while Shade doing nothing. Seeing the despair start to settle into Springer's expression, Shade began to laugh again, "Hee hee hee...look at that. The amulet is finally giving me more power."

Springer's eyes narrowed, "It won't be enough."

"And why won't it be?"

Springer put both his paws together, a calm deep breath following this, "I'll show you." With that, an Aura Blast appeared, only to be turned white. "Take this! Aura...FORCE!"





"Uhh...oohhh…" Flash moaned as he fell over, his hooves gripping his head. "Springer....Springer..."

"What's wrong Flash? What's happening with Springer?!" Twilight asked as she bent over and rubbed his back, "Is he in trouble?!"

"Urgh...its Shade." Flash groaned as his eyes started to water in pain, "I can feel...everything Springer is feeling when I...when I try to connect to him. Springer...he's in so much pain...and Shade is fighting him every inch of the way."

"Oh Springer," Fluttershy whimpered as tears began to appear in her eyes, "How horrible..."

"That's not good." Twilight admitted as she patted Flash's side, "We need him to get out of there."

"Are you sure there's nothing else we can do, Twilight?" Rarity asked next, only to get a shake of the head in response.

"I...I don't know. No matter what I do, I can't see to use my horn here, and I have nothing to write with to make runic letters." Twilight glanced at Canterlot Cathedral, sighing at the sight they were stuck in now that Shade had stopped showing scenes of the past. "If only a part of this was real..."

"Augh! You gotta be kidding me!" Rainbow yelled as she rubbed the sides of her head, "I can't stand it! We need to get out of here and help Springer!" She turned to glare at Twilight, "Hey, egghead! Think up a third option! We can't just stand here and let our friend get beat up like that!"

"Yeah! We need to show that meanie's who's boss!" Pinkie added, Applejack nodding in agreement.

Twilight's ear drooped as she looked down at the ground, "I know...I just wish there was some way we could help Springer right now."

"Well, we better think of something." Flash added as he kept panting, "If we don't...Springer might be a goner."





"Huff...huff...huff..." Springer panted as he leaned over, gripping his knees as he felt exhaustion consume him after firing the Aura Force attack. Sweat poured down his face as he felt his legs shake in pain. Despite this, he looked back up, only to go wide-eyed, "Oh no..."

"Oh yes." Shade responded as the dust cloud the Aura Force had created started to fade. There, Shade stood with a giant burn mark over half his face, along with burns on eighty percent of his chest and one down the knee of his left leg. Despite this, Springer watched in horror as the evidence of his attack start to fade away as the amulet kept shining, healing every bit of the fox. "Looks like the amulet is finally, truly kicking in. I'll admit, I was worried that blast would knock me out...but it seems you're weaker than I thought. Now..." Shade lifted up his paw, a dark aura consuming it, "Let's end this, shall we?"

"No...I'm not done." Springer replied as he summoned another Bone Breaker.

"Seriously? That's still not gonna-"

WHACK!

Five teeth now fell to the stone floor, blood dripping next as Shade found his head jerked to looking to the right. A ball of spit came out of his mouth next as he turned back to Springer. There, his fangs started to regrow as he growled, "Okay. Guess I got no choice."

The fox let out a loud snort, now sporting two Dark Claws as he charged at the jakhowl. In response, Springer swung the Bone Breaker again, this time in a downward slash. Shade responded with a backswing with his left claw, shattering the blade as he thrusted his right. Seeing this, Springer hopped back to dodge the attack, only to see Shade spin around and thrust his feet into the ground, repelling him forward. Before Springer could react, both claws struck his chest in a X-styled slash, making him yelp out in pain.

"I will kill you here." Shade commented as he glared at the jakhowl, his eyes starting to go dark red, "The final jakhowl..." he started to say as Springer responded with an Aura Blast, only for Shade to effortlessly swat the sphere away, "Will die today!"

"Not a chance!" Springer barked as he flashed two Steel Paws, only to feel a fist smash his face before he could even strike. He then stumbled back as a drip of blood flew out of his mouth. "Augh!"

"You're weak."

"Shut up!" Springer yelled as he swung a right hook, only for Shade to grip it in his left paw. This was followed by a left hook, which Shade caught as well, "What the-"

"You're slower than me now." Shade responded as he clenched his paws, making Springer flinch, "I told you, I have-"

"Shut up! Just shut up!" Springer screamed as he thrusted an upward right knee, slamming Shade's chest. The blow made him Shade clench up, but he kept his grip on Springer's paws.

"I'm not going to shut up. I'm better, stronger, and fast-" Shade tried to say as Springer pulled his right arm back, getting out of Shade's grip. Shade responded by letting go of the other paw, hopping back as Springer charged him. The jakhowl swung three punches next, Shade effortlessly dodging them. "As I was saying, I'm fast-urk!"

A fourth punch nicked Shade's jaw, making him flinch, only for two more punches to hit the sides of his face. Shade tried to dodge the next, but another hook smacked the side of his head. "Blaugh!" the fox yelped as he hopped back, getting to the other side of the room. "What is..."

But his words stopped coming out of his mouth. Instead, his eyes showed his thoughts as he saw a thick aura cover the jakhowl's body. And as he tried to respond, his eyes went wide as he saw Springer's body seemingly glitch out. The very sight made his jaw slowly descend, "This is...impossible. How are you-"

Shade's words stopped as he saw Springer let out a long breath, now noticing that the jakhowl's eyes no longer showed pupils. Instead, they were blank, just pure white as Shade felt himself almost backpedal. The fox could feel a stream of energy cover his body as the amulet gave him another trickle of power, but he knew that was just the start. Darkness consuming both of his paws, he charged with two Dark Claws as he yelled, "Die! Die right now, you-"

But his mouth came to a halt after this. As the fox dashed at his opponent, pain began to suddenly flare all over his body, his nerves going crazy as he felt a force strike his entire form. "Yaugh!" He yelped as both Dark Claws's aura faded, his feet defying gravity as he was pushed back. Despite this, he quickly recovered, making sure he didn't fall over as pain continued to rack his body over. "Yow! What was that?!"

The fox let out a snort as he felt the amulet start to heal him, the necklace shining as he looked up and saw the jakhowl glitching out again. He glanced down at his body next, seeing several bruises that had seemingly come out of nowhere. His eyes darted around as he counting, soon reaching the number of fourteen before realizing he forgot to count his face. "It can't be...you can't have achieved that!"

Unfortunately for the fox, those words would be the last he could say as he tried to lift both paws to defend himself, only to feel a punch to his gut. His mouth opening to screech in pain, he felt both his claws pushed away before another punch hit his face. Then another. And another.

Before Shade knew it, twenty punches slammed into his head, each packed with flaming aura that struck every nerve. Blood spat out of his mouth as the twentieth punch smashed into his nose, knocking the fox flying into one of the room's walls. His back pierced the wall, gravel starting to peel off the stone as he felt the pain now seer through his entire body. The fox's eyes began to water as he tried to pop his head out, closing his left as he stared at the jakhowl. "You...how are you..."

Then, the fox's eyes went truly wide. The jakhowl that had been beating him up so easily, suddenly began to cramp up. Before anything could be said or done, the defender let out a scream of pain as the blue aura surrounding his body flared, blood spitting out of his mouth as he cried out in pain, "AAAAAAHHHHHH!" He hugged his chest as the pupils in his eyes returned, "Oh....it hurts! Why does it hurt so much?!"

Shade's brain slowly ticking, the fox began to chuckle as he tried to exit the wall, cricks and cracks happening in his bones as he got up. "Hee hee hee…" he laughed as he felt the amulet start to recover his face, his nose clenching as it reset itself, "Augh! That hurts....but its okay."

"AAAAHHHHH!!!" Springer yelled again as he fell to his knees, pain now surging over his entire body, "Stop! Stop the pain!"

"It won't stop jakhowl." Shade instantly replied as he started to stumble over to the defender, his right foot twisting to repair itself, "You're done."

"Wha…" Springer tried to respond, only to clench in pain again.

"Hee hee hee…" Shade giggled as he slowly pointed at the jakhowl, "I don't know how you did it, but you...you achieved Sharp Paw's ultimate technique. And yet...hee hee hee…hee hee hee..."

"What are you-what's so funny?!" Springer barked back, tears of pain now starting to cover his eyesight.

"Ain't it obvious?! You achieved Aura Velocity!" Shade spat as he put his claws to his mouth, "But you don't know to control it, so your body's rejecting ya. Tell me, can you fight like that?"

"I..." Springer tried to say, only for pain to surge once again, "AAAAHHHHH!!!"

"Hee hee hee...I knew it!" Shade laughed as he pointed at the jakhowl again, "You're ten years too early to learn that power! You're lucky you even activated it!" Shade then raised his claw, a dark aura consuming it as the arm started to return to normal, "And now, you're done. You used every bit of aura you got with that move, and cuz you're now dry, your body is rejecting ya! Hee hee hee...how ironic!"

Springer opened his mouth to respond, but the pain continued to flow, making him hug himself reflexively again, "Augh!"

"And now, I win." Shade added as he pulled his claw back, Springer seeing the attack coming...but he couldn't move. "Say goodbye!"

WHAM!

With a single motion, the claw uppercut the jakhowl, knocking him to the other side of the room. There, he hit the wall before slumping down, not an inch of his body responding to anything but pain. As this happened, Shade just laughed as he slowly walked up to the downed defender, "Now, let's do this nice and slow. After all, I got all the time in the world to enjoy this!"

The fox pointed to the jakhowl's left foot, only to pull back his claw, "We'll start here and work our way up. Tell me if this hurts." And as the claw descended onto the jakhowl's foot, a scream of pain could be heard while a certain fox continued to laugh.





"AAAAHHHH!!!" Flash screamed as he fell over, gripping his head as the other ponies all hopped in place at his sudden pained cry.

"Oh my goodness! Are you alright Flash?!" Fluttershy asked first, Twilight opening her mouth to ask the same question.

"No...but that's not important." Flash moaned as he started to pant, "Springer...he's in pain." The defender turned to Twilight as he gasped, "Twilight...we gotta get out of here! Springer...he's gonna die!"

Everyone went pale at this, Twilight almost backpedaling as she yelped, "Die?!"

Flash did a slow nod, "Yeah. Shade's beaten him. Now he's just hurting Springer...and he's not gonna stop! He'll kill him!" Flash rubbed the side of his head as he showed a giant frown, "We gotta get out of here now!"

Everypony grimaced at this, all turning and frowning at each other before staring at Twilight. As for her, she started to shrink on the spot. "Um...I still don't know! I can't think of anything!"

"Well we can't just sit here and do nothing Twilight!" Flash barked back, "Springer's gonna die!"

"I know Flash!" Twilight yelled back, "I know he's in trouble, just like I know we're stuck here!"

"Stop fighting you two! That's not helping!" Rarity immediately intervened, "We need to work together to get out of this mess!"

"I know Rarity, but...but...I just don't know." Twilight tried to reply, her eyes shifting back to the cathedral. There, her brain began to go over what they had seen today. "I just don't get it. I understand how and why Shade is doing this, but...I can't help but feel I'm missing the key piece to get us out of here."

"What do you mean?"

"Its just..." Twilight glanced back at her friends, "Why are we still alive?"

"Huh?" The others replied in unison, all tilting their heads at the statement.

"Think about it. He used us to power up a new amulet. If that's the case, why aren't we gone?" Twilight pointed back to the cathedral, "Everything we've seen is either runes or aura...so why didn't that kill us?!" The alicorn pointed to Flash, "You were trying to watch the exchange. Did he say anything about that?"

Flash crossed his hooves, "Just that he'd 'suck us dry' later. Why?"

"Well, why didn't he do it now? I mean, we all know he wanted to make Springer angry."

The others started to catch on as Flash responded, "He can't...or he ran out of time."

Twilight clapped her hooves, "Exactly. And if its the first case...no, I'm sure its the first case. I know he can't do it. He could have had Springer knocked out for another few hours and absorbed us into that amulet until we were nothing, but he didn't."

"Oookay. But what does that mean Twi?" Applejack asked next.

"It means the amulet isn't perfect, and neither is this machine! He must have thought this machine would kill us while making Springer angry by showing him the past, but it didn't! Something else is helping us survive. This machine is flawed in some way...or there's something else going on." Twilight turned back to the church, tapping her chin, "And I know that's a clue, along with all these past events. I can't help but think it has something to do with Springer...and it has to be our way out of here."

"But...all the stuff we saw was mainly bad." Fluttershy replied as new tears graced her eyes, "All those jakhowls...they were so happy together and then that happened to them."

"Yeah, no kidding." Rainbow mumbled as she scratched the side of her head, "I mean, that was just...wrong."

"Ah agree. Ah don't want to ever think about all of this ever again." Applejack added as she patted Fluttershy's side.

"Yeah..." Flash finished as he slumped over, "Springer...if only we could help him right now."

Twilight blinked at the despair on her friends faces, a frown showing on her own expression as well. She then closed her eyes, taking a deep breath as she thought about everything that had happened. "Come on...there's got to be something...anything." Her memories went through the moments of Luna, Dark Mist, Sharp Paw, Calm Paw, Ruby...all of it swimming through her head. And as she got to the part of the final battle between the races, she gasped, "That's it!"

"Hmm?" Flash responded as he saw Twilight jerk her head.

"I got it! I know what we should do!"

"Really?!"

Twilight firmly nodded in response, "We need to do what the jakhowls did! We need to figure a way to give our power to Springer!"

"Huh?!" everypony responded again in unison.

"What are you talking about Twi?" Flash asked next.

In response, she shook her head before pointing at the defender, "Flash, you and Springer can connect your auras, right?"

"Yeah. So?"

"And we connected our auras to him back when we figured this all out. If that's the case, we should still be able to do it. We should be able to give him our power!" Twilight pointed to the cathedral behind her, "Remember what we saw. Sharp Paw overwhelmed Dark Mist despite the fact he had all those runes on him, and it was all because he was connected to the jakhowls. Their bonds gave him power. What if...what if we did the same with Springer?"

The others all glanced at each other, Applejack speaking up next, "Sorry Twi, but ah'm lost. Run that by me again?"

"We'll connect to Springer through Flash." Twilight replied as she walked up and grabbed his hoof, "I know we can do it. We're his friends, and true friends can give power to each other. We help each other when it matters most!" She tightened her grip as she glared at Flash, "Flash, contact Springer! Let us all speak to him! We'll give him our auras like those jakhowls gave it to Sharp Paw!"

Flash blinked at the alicorn, his brain still trying to keep up with her plan, but nodded all the same. Twilight then gestured for the others to all grab Flash's hoof as they all closed their eyes, all trying to contact Springer.

"Springer...can you hear me?" Flash asked first, the others all listening to his request. "Springer?"

There was no response, making the girls all frown. Despite this, Flash could feel what they were thinking and said, "Springer...I know you're still there. I'm your partner. I can feel ya."

"I..." whispered a small, tiny voice.

"Hmm? What is it buddy?" Flash asked as they heard the voice. "Speak up."

"I...I..."

"Springer?"

"I'm sorry..." the voice slowly moaned out. "I'm sorry Flash."

"Sorry about what?"

"I can't beat him. I...I can't win."





"Hee hee hee…" Shade chuckled as he cricked his neck, the final broken bone in his back shifting back into place, "Ahhh...there we go. It feels so good to be me. I love this amulet." The fox glanced down at his body, giggling at the sight, "Hee hee hee...all healed. All good to go." He looked back at the beaten jakhowl, his body slumped over into a stone wall as blood trickled down his left leg. "And to think, I haven't really even gotten started with you."

The fox then raised both arms into the air, "I've done it! I've beaten the final jakhowl! Hee hee hee...now I can fulfill Dark Mist's wish! I can-no! I am the second Dark Mist!" He looked back down as he stomped on Springer's leg, a small whimper of pain coming out of the jakhowl's mouth, "I've won...and all that's left is to get rid of you. After that, I will become Dark Mist!"

He put his claws up to his mouth, "Oh, I can imagine it right now! Me, the new Dark Mist, all on my throne with a dead Princess Luna at my lap! Finally, she will pay for the crime of helping the disgusting, wretched jakhowl live in this world! Then, I will wreck havoc on Equestria! Hee hee hee...oh, it will be so glorious! And I, Shade, shall be the victor over it all! Hee hee-wait!" Shade's grin started to grow as his claws were almost consumed into his mouth, "I'm not just an ordinary Trickster anymore. I need to show it! I...I must become like the greatest Trickster who has ever lived!" HIs head bobbed up and down as a new laugh came out of his mouth, "Ki ki ki...ki ki ki!"

As he continued to laugh, Springer slowly looked up at him, his right eye closed as he clenched in pain. A tiny breath came out of his mouth as he tried to move, only for his body to flinch as every nerve inside flared. "I can't...move. Darn it." he mentally said as his mouth quivered, "I...I gotta win...I..."

The jakhowl then slumped over, his mind turning into a knocked out mess of mush as he just whimpered out. That is, till he felt a voice in his head. "Springer...can you hear me?"

"Flash?" Springer tried to say, but the defender couldn't hear him.

"Springer...I know you're still there. I'm your partner. I can feel ya."

Springer did a small cough, his eyes glancing back up at Shade, only to him still complimenting himself. Closing his eyes next, he began to reply back. The two couldn't hear each other for a bit, but slowly, the words began to form as he said, "I'm sorry...I'm sorry Flash."

"Sorry about what?"

"I can't beat him. I...I can't win."

A low 'tch' came out of Flash's 'mouth' as he resisted the urge to cross his hooves, "Hey! I don't want to hear that defeatist attitude."

"Huh?"

"You heard me." Flash responded as his face showed a certain smirk, "Don't you remember when you told me that? You know, all the way back when we took on Discord?"

Springer's brain went over the memory, "Yeah...but this is nothing like-"

"Like heck it isn't!" Rainbow interrupted, "And I'm with Flash! I don't want to hear that either Springer! I know you're better than that!"

"But-"

"They're right darling." Rarity added as she did a low hum.

"I agree as well." Twilight chimed in as her tone went to one of pure compassion and kindness, "Springer, we know you're having trouble. That's why we're contacting you."

"What do you mean?"

"What do you think, bud?! We're gonna help you!" Flash continued as he did a small chuckle, "We've all been stuck here, and this is what Twilight figured out. We can't get out, so we're going to help you get us out instead. Here's what we're gonna do..."

Springer couldn't believe what he was hearing. His body wanted to give out any second, but every inch of his being was telling him otherwise as his friends told him the plan. It was here that he opened his eyes for a bit, only to see Shade still laughing, "Ki ki ki...Yes! I love this new laugh!" The fox looked back down at the jakhowl, smiling as he saw the jakhowl staring at him, "Sorry about that. I just love laughing. Now, where were we? Ah yes, we were about to move on to the-"

THUMP!

Shade turned to the sudden sound, now seeing a cloak enter the room as it pointed to the machine room's door. The fox growled at the sight, "HEY! I'm enjoying my moment here! This is mine! I am about to make Trickster history!" Shade barked as he pointed to himself, "If its an intruder, just lead them here so I can kill them with ease. I'm not in the mood-"

But the cloak kept pointing, giving the fox a different signal. "Hmm? What's wrong? Is it not an intruder?" Doing a small grumble, he glanced at Springer before hissing, "I'll be right back. Don't go-eh, you can't move anyway." And as the fox left the room, he let out a long growl, "This better be good, or-"

His next words failed him, as his eyes went wide at the next sight. He was now staring at the capsules where the Mane Seven were in...but they were different. The ponies inside were now sporting multi-colored haired (At least more than usual for some) and their cutie marks now sported several on their body. "What the-Augh!"

The fox had to suddenly shield his eyes as a bright light shined out of the capsules, the light now blinding him. "Urgh...what is this?! What is this disgusting light?!"

And as he continued to yelp out in pain, Springer was still talking to friends. "So...how is this going to work?"

"Simple. We'll do what we saw Sharp Paw did." Twilight responded, "Remember? He had the other jakhowls give him their aura."

"But you all are ponies. You're not jakhowls-"

"And when has that stopped us?!" Flash interrupted while resisting the urge to shake his head, "Springer...we can talk to you like this because of our bond. Our friendship. If we can do that, then I'm sure our friendship will let us connect to you and give you our aura."

"And I suspect we can try to give you much more than just that." Twilight added with a smirk, "We're your friends Springer, don't forget that."

"Indeed. You heard the princess Springer, we're here to help. We'll give you every bit of this...aura you need." Rarity continued.

"Yeah! We'll do the easy part! You just need to kick this guy's flank!" Rainbow said next.

"Teach that rotten, no good apple thief a lesson he won't forget!"

"And we'll help you every step of the way." Fluttershy added in a gentle tone.

"We'll cheer you on all the way! Beat that big old meanie pants, and then we'll have a party over your victory! I'll make it myself!"

"We don't need to go that far Pinkie." Twilight responded with a roll of the eyes, "But they're right. We'll give you our aura...our power Springer. Use it to win. And save us."

Flash did a small chuckle, "You heard the ladies! Get up and get moving! You got a job to do!"

"Flash...everypony...I...I..." Springer tried to say, only to feel a sudden shiver cover his body. He felt...warm. Like a cozy sweater consumed his form as he looked down at his body. There, he saw a blue flame start to appear on his legs...only for it to start changing colors. "Huh?"

"Remember, we're here for you."





"Augh!" Shade screamed as he continued to shield his eyes. "What is this?! What are those ponies doing?!" The cloak went in front of him, shielding the fox with his body, "Much better." Shade grumbled as he rubbed his eyes. "Now, what is..."

The fox's mouth failed him as he stared at the cloak, now properly seeing the light. But it wasn't a shining white light like most blinding sights, but rather...

"A rainbow?" Shade whispered as he blinked at the sight. "What...what is this?" His brain started to turn it's gears as he stared at the beautiful sight, his jaw dropping as his body stood still. Even for a rotten individual as him, the beauty overwhelmed his mind as his eyes went wide.

But as this happened, his brain finally came to a stop. There, a certain memory clicked in his mind, making him gasp, "The rainbow...Tirek! This is what they used to beat him! But why is that-" Shade's head turned at break neck speed as he started at the door to the fighting room, "No...don't tell me..."

The fox cut into a full-on sprint to the room, yelling at the cloak that was originally blocking the light, "Close the door behind me! Do it now!" The puppet did so as he rushed into the room, immediately looking back at where Springer was slumped over. But as he did this, his eyes went wide again as he yelped, "Wha...what is this?!"

In front of him was now a giant sphere of light in place of where Springer was, his eyes scanning the whole thing over. The fox felt a shiver down his spine, chills shaking his body. The sight...scared him. He looked down at his paws, now seeing them shake. But before he could comment, his ears spiked up as he heard a new sound. Looking back up, he saw a crack appear in the sphere. More and more appeared until-

BOOM!

"Augh!" Shade hissed as he shielded his eyes from a sudden burst of light coming out of the sphere. Blinking rapidly, he saw the light was fading and lowered his paws, only for a huge frown to appear on his face. "What?!"

The sight before him started to overload his brain. In front of him was a fully revived battle form jakhowl, but its body looked like it had been equipped with everything it could ever need for a transformation. It had a second spike on its paws and spikes now on its feet along with spike covered braces on its shoulders. Not only that, its black fur turned crimson red on its paws and feet, along with the ends of his head's appendages, which were now like flowing tubes. The markings on its masked face now extended up and down his face, and its cream-colored fur was now fully bushy with a giant bulb-looking tail.

A slow breath exited the figure's mouth as he raised his paws, staring at them, "What...what is this?" he asked as he turned his paws around, then touching his shoulders to feel the new spikes there, "This looks...pretty cool. And the aura...I can feel it." He closed his eyes as he let out a long exhale, "I can feel every fiber of my aura. Amazing...I feel-"

"WHAT IN THE NAME OF THE DARKNESS IS THIS?!" Shade screamed as he pointed at the new being, "What is this?! What are you?!"

"Uh...I'm Springer?" Springer replied as he pointed at himself.

"Wha...but...you were battered and beaten! I won!" Shade's mouth started to foam in anger, "What did you do?! What is that form?!"

Springer just shrugged with a big old smirk, "Guess you should've finished me off instead of monologuing." Springer flexed his paws as he watched a giant blue flame appeared above it, bigger than he had ever seen for his battle form, "Whoa. Its like I'm a mega jakhowl or something." His grin started to grow as he glanced over at Shade, "See? This is what happens when you have friends."

"Friends?! Are you saying-"

"That my friends gave me this power? Yes." Springer remarked as the flames in his paw continued to grow, "I can feel it now...its like I'm made of aura." He clenched his paw as he looked back at the Trickster, a calm serene smile on his face, "My bonds have given me true power. One that you'll never beat." He then did a 'bring it on gesture' with his paw, "Now...count up your sins."

"SINS?! You...you..." Shade's claws were consumed in darkness as he yelled, "You're the sin! You won't win this! I won't let some stupid power-up beat me again! I am Shade, the second Dark Mist!"

Springer clenched his fists as he took a fighting stance, "Then shut up and fight."

"RRRAAAAAGGGGHHHHH!!!" Shade roared as he charged at the jakhowl, both claws now pouring out dark aura, "DIE!"

As his claw aimed straight for Springer's face, his left paw flashed upward, grabbing the claw with ease. The ends of the Dark Claw were just a centimeter away from his eyes as Springer just smirked, "You're slow." Springer pulled his fist back at the same time, his smirk continuing to grow as he thrusted the punch forward.

Shade could feel a glob of spit fly out of his mouth as the fist slammed itself into his gut. But before he could react, the paw that had hurt him swiftly gripped his chest as he felt himself being lifted. A second later, Springer swung him overhead, throwing him across the room. Yelps of pain happened as he landed on his head, only for his body to spin like a top, hopping back onto his feet. But as he did this, Springer appeared in front of him, another punch ready to strike. The fox quickly ducked, the hook now flying over him as he tried to counter with an uppercut claw, only for Springer to immediately hop back, dodging the blow.

"Guess you still got some of your speed." Springer commented as he clenched both paws, blue flames consuming their arms.

"I have more than that." Shade growled as he put a claw over the amulet, "I don't know what you've done or how you've done it, but this aura transformation you suddenly have will not be enough! My amulet-no....my hatred will defeat you!" A huge dark swirl of energy appeared around the fox's form, his eyes going blank as his claws grew bigger in size from the dark aura, "Come...I will kill you! The final jakhowl's head will be mine!"

"I think I'll keep my head, thank you very much." Springer remarked as Shade's claws swung at him at both sides. Seeing this, Springer just dashed ahead, slamming a punch into the fox's face before he could strike, knocking out two teeth.

"Blaugh!" Shade yelped as he was pushed back, rubbing his face as he recovered, "Seriously?! Will you stop aiming for my teeth?!"

"Nope." Springer replied as he swung a left hook next, Shade instantly ducking to dodge it, only for a right uppercut to smash him in the chin. Another tooth flung out as he felt the blow, the fox's blood flying out of his mouth. But as this happened, Shade quickly countered, swiping a claw at Springer's face. The blow made the jakhowl backpedal, only to see a Dark Blast appearing in Shade's paws.

"DIE!" Shade screamed as he fired the blast, Springer crossing his arms to defend. The sphere struck him, his feet grinding on the floor as the attack started to push him back. A flare of aura shined in Springer's eyes next, causing him to cross chop the sphere, dissipating it instantly. But as this happened, Shade charged again with two Dark Claws, only for his target to disappear. "Huh?!"

Shade came to a halt, his eyes darting around before he noticed Springer now on the other corner of the room. His mouth started to open, only to backpedal by reflex as he dodged a sudden swing. "Whoa!" he yelped as he saw Springer appear before him, only to vanish back to the corner of the room. "Wha…"

The fox's brain slowly clicked as he saw a blaze of aura cover Springer's body. Then, he began to look as if he was glitching out, the sight making a shiver go down Shade's spine. But what really made him shake was that Springer looked different. His eyes weren't blank this time. They were there, pupils fully focused. "No...don't tell me you-"

"Oh, I did. I already, at least I think I did, achieved what you're thinking." Springer interrupted as he looked down at his paws, "I don't know how I'm doing it...but I can feel it. The aura I have right now...I can feel every single fiber of it. It feels like my body is on fire, and yet I feel...calm." He looked back up at the fox, a big smirk on his face, "But I don't want to just replicate Sharp Paw. I think a rename is in order. How about..." Springer pulled back both fists as the appendages on the back of his head flared up, "Velocity Strike!"

BLAM!

Shade's body felt numb. The pain he now felt was more than he could imagine. In that one split-second, thirty punches struck his body, his form clenching as the blows blasted themselves into him. His back instantly struck the wall behind him, blood spitting out of his mouth again. "BLAUGH!"

Springer's body shook as he reappeared at the other side of the room. He rubbed his forehead next, "Whew. That took a lot of aura. I can't believe Sharp Paw could do that without this form." The jakhowl started to windup his right arm, "Let's do that again, shall we?"

"Don't you dare!" Shade screamed as his body pulled out of the stone wall, "DARK BLAST!"

Springer quickly raised a single paw to block the sphere, the blast hitting it with ease. But as it struck, Springer felt a sudden resistance, making him put his other paw to negate the sphere. Summoning two Steel Paws, he pushed the claws into the projectile, letting him cut it in two. Seeing the struggle, Shade just laughed, "Ki ki ki...looks like the amulet is still giving me power! I will win-"

"Oh, shut up." Springer interrupted as he vanished, only to reappear in front of the fox. Ten punches immediately struck his face, but as the eleventh started to hit...Shade caught it. "Wha-"

"Like I said, the amulet...will guarantee my-"

POW!

Another punch struck his face, only for Shade to turn back with a huge bloody grin, "Care to try again? Cuz I know I'm winning this." Shade remarked as he let go of Springer's arm and swung another Dark Claw. "I'm gonna-ack!"

Pain suddenly struck the fox as tears of pain flew out of his eyes. His eyes slowly looked down, only to see a certain jakhowl's leg had swiftly hit the space between the Trickster's legs. "What..did you...just do...to me?!" squeaked Shade as he started to backpedal with shaking legs.

"Oh, just something Flash told me about. Apparently in that mirror portal world, this is how you can do the biggest amount of pain to somepony there." Springer replied as he summoned a Bone Breaker, "Now, let's finish this."

Shade let out a low growl as a dark aura consumed his back, "Oh, we're not finishing this. I want you to suffer jakhowl. You will-"

"Stop." Springer interrupted as he pointed the aura weapon at the fox. "No more monologues. I'm done with this fight, and that's final."

"Oh? And why is that?" Shade remarked as he did a quick swipe at the Bone Breaker, shattering it in one blow, "Scared I can still beat you?!"

"No." Springer replied as the paw that held the aura weapon unfurled, just presenting his palm now. "I'm done because I want to save my friends. I don't need some crazed plan for power or a messed up mind like you...I only need them." He put his other paw to his chest, "They're a part of me as I'm a part of them. They're why I exist, and why I will beat you!"

Hearing this, Shade's eyes twitched in anger. His tongue slowly sank out of his mouth as he spat, "How...how can you say something so disgusting?!" The fox put his claws up to his face, rubbing them in frustration, "That's...you're pathetic! You exist because of them?! They're nothing, just like you!"

"I didn't expect you to understand." Springer's palm started to summon an Aura Blast, only the blue sphere to start changing colors, turning into a bright white. "And that's why you'll always lose Shade."

"Shut up! Don't you dare look down on me!" Shade screamed as he put both paws in front of his mouth, "I am Shade, the Second Dark Mist! I am a Trickster, one that exists for nothing but destruction, hatred and anarchy!" Opening his mouth as wide as it could be as the two claws summoned a Dark Blast, only for his jaws to close down and eat the sphere. "I'll destroy you with the greatest Trickster technique of all! DARK FORCE!!!"

Opening his mouth, a jet black beam fired out, heading straight for Springer. But he wasn't intimidated, the sphere in front of his paw now fully white, "Seems I can use this with just one paw in this form. Nice." Do a quick flex, Springer aimed the sphere at the beam, "AURA FORCE!"

The white sphere shot out a beam of its own, the white energy clashing with the black. The two began to push, both forces colliding in a spectacular fashion. As this happened, silence reigned as neither said a word. Power was all that mattered, as the two beams continued to batter into each other. And as both collided, sparks of energy flew out of the beams, the strings of power striking multiple parts of the room.

"YOU WON'T WIN! I WILL KILL YOU!" Shade screamed as he kept pushing the beam with his paws. The dark beam started to overwhelm Springer's causing him to put both paws up. But the jakhowl didn't say anything, as he knew what he had to do. Taking a long calm breath, he closed his eyes as he continued to push the beam back. Slowly, the white beam began to overtake the other, causing Shade to shrink back. "No...NO!"

BOOM!

A pillar of dust consumed the room as the Springer's Aura Force struck Shade, knocking him into the room's opposite wall. Several seconds past before the smoke cleared, now revealing a pile of rubble and a broken wall. Beyond the now destroyed wall was the machine, which Springer smiled at. However, as he did this, a group of cloaks from the machine room appeared over the rubble, all unsheathing weapons. "Oh yeah...forgot about that."

Springer pulled back a paw as he summoned a Bone Breaker, only to feel his body clench up. Looking down, he saw his body had returned back to their normal battle form state, making him wince. Now noticing that his paw only had one spike now, he looked back up at the charging cloaks as he readied his aura weapon. With a few mighty swings, he took them all out, the last one being cut down with ease.

"There we go. Now I can-" Springer tried to say, only to see a sudden claw pop out of the pile of rubble.

"RAAAUUUGGHHHH!!!" screamed a voice beneath the rocks, a certain fox's head popping out next, complete with fur drenched in blood. His body slowly ascended as a bloody death-filled glare came out of his eyes, "You...will not...win!" Shade started to lift his claws up, a speck of dark aura just barely showing itself. "I..."

"Just give up Shade." Springer remarked as he desummoned the Bone Breaker. "You already-urk!" Springer felt a clench in his stomach, making him grab his waist in pain as he felt his battle form start to fade, "Shoot. Not yet..."

"Ki ki ki...ki ki ki…" Shade chuckled as he pointed at the jakhowl, "Looks like you're out of aura, while my amulet is still giving me everything I need!"

"Oh yeah?" Springer replied as he let go of his waist, a big smirk appearing on his face, "Then why aren't you wearing it?"

"Huh?!" Shade yelped, his eyes darting down. There, on his collar...was nothing. Nothing but blood drenched fur. "Wha…" his eyes started to go further down, soon seeing shards of the amulet now on the rubble below him, "No...NO! My amulet! My power! This can't-mmph!"

"Nope. Not listening to another word." Springer interrupted as he shut Shade's mouth with his paw. Clenching it, Shade looked back up and tried to remove the paw with his own, but found he couldn't even lift his arms now. Seeing this, Springer chuckled, "Finally. About time you shut up." The jakhowl leaned to the side, his eyes now staring at the machine behind Shade, "Now, let's free my friends, shall we?"

Letting go of Shade's mouth, the fox gasped, only to flinch as Springer gripped the fur on his chest with one paw and his legs with the other. Soon hoisting him over his body, Springer started to carry Shade over his head, "Wait! What are you doing?!" Shade screamed as he saw Springer walk over the pile of rubble.

"Ending this."

"Wha-" Shade yelped, only to go wide-eyed as he saw what Springer was about to do. Letting out a scream of terror, the fox started to yell, "CLOAKS! COME TO THE MACHINE ROOM NOW! YOUR MASTER NEEDS YOU!"

"Too late." Springer added as he gripped Shade before pulling back.

"Wait! No, don't-"

And with one might swing, he slammed the fox down into the machine. A blast of electricity instantly shot out of the machine as the fox's body split the machine's map in two.

KR-ZAAAAPPPP!!!

"AAAAAHHHHHH!!!" Shade screamed as his body lit up like a light show, the shine now blinding Springer. The jakhowl put his paws over his face as the electricity zapped every bone in Shade's body, his skeleton just barely visible as the light show continued to happen. And as the last spark struck the fox, he was no longer in his large, intimidating battle form. Instead, he was back to his usual, tiny four-legged fox form. There, his body looked as if it had been cooked, swirls in his eyes as he moaned out, "Not fair...its not fair..."

"Finally..." Springer muttered as his battle form gave out, his body now returning to its smaller shape. But as it did this, his ears caught up a new set of sounds, making him look up. "Aw crap."

It was the other cloaks Shade had called for, the ones he had kept in the caves to keep watch for intruders. All of them had axes, swords and spears, ready to skewer the young jakhowl. However, his body couldn't move, and he just staggered back before falling forward.

"Hi-yah!" yelled a new voice, several blurs appearing as they took out the puppets. And as the last one fell, Springer felt his body fall onto something soft. His eyes slowly looked up next, soon seeing a familiar face. "Hey buddy. You alright?"

"Flash..." Springer whispered before closing his eyes, "Yeah...just gonna go...to sleep now..."

"That's fine. You deserve it." Flash added as he placed the jakhowl on his back, a huge proud smile on his face as the jakhowl slumped over. "Thank you buddy."

"Yes. Thank you Springer." Twilight continued as she walked up to the defender, only to giggle, "He's asleep, isn't he? We can't even thank him properly."

"Eh, ya can't blame him for being tired." Flash replied as he turned and looked at the room, now seeing the downed Trickster, "Looks like we got him this time. This little monster isn't getting away like he did in Omniara."

The six others all walked up to the knocked out fox, Fluttershy putting a hoof to her mouth, "Oh, I just wish the little thing wasn't so mean. He's so cute looking..."

"Yeah...no." Rainbow remarked with crossed hooves, "This thing needs to be put behind bars. Like, permanently."

"I couldn't agree more." Flash added as he grabbed the fox by the tuft of hair on his head, "Somepony wanna help me tie him up?"

"Gladly darling. After this nightmare, I'll gladly help make sure something like this doesn't happen again." Rarity commented before glancing over at Twilight. There, she saw a look of confusion on the princess's face as the alicorn was looking the machine over. "Twilight? Are you okay?"

"No...I'm not." Twilight admitted as she glanced back at her friends. "I don't like this."

"Twi, we all don't like what happened here." Applejack replied, only to see the princess shake her head.

"No, not like that. Something still doesn't make sense here." Twilight responded before she pointed at Shade, "Flash, get him tied up and I'll help with the paperwork to get him sent to prison. I want it done now, as there's a lot left here to finish."

"Um...okay?" Flash said as he looked back at the fox before glancing at Twilight, "But uh...Springer just beat the bad guy and I'm pretty sure we're not in the best condition either. Shouldn't we go home and rest?"

"We should. But we're going to Canterlot after that."

"Canterlot?!" the others all questioned in unison.

"Yes." Twilight remarked as she walked over to the capsules, scanning each one over with her eyes, "I still have questions about all of this." she turned around next, a fierce glare in her eyes, "And I think you all can agree with me that Princess Luna owes us an explanation."
> The Forgotten Darkness
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


"We didn't realize we were making memories. We just knew we were having fun."

-Winnie the Pooh


It took some time before the Mane Seven escaped the tunnels inside Ghastly Gorge. Thankfully, Flash was able to easily subdue any remaining cloaks Shade had active, only to use the clothes they wore as a makeshift rope to tie Shade up. After that, they left the canyon and returned home, all greeted by a worried Iron Core and Spike. They had been searching the town over and had sent a letter to Canterlot in response of what had happened. Despite this, Twilight sent a letter immediately back to Canterlot, asking for Ruby Scarlet to come to Canterlot while also preparing to get a ride there as well. Agreeing to go the next day, the group got a good night's sleep, Iron and Lightning agreeing to stay at the Ponyville Prison for the night to watch over Shade.

The next day...

"Girls, are you all ready?" Twilight asked as they got to the train station. A series of yawns and nods followed, the alicorn gesturing them to get on board. As they did and sat down, Twilight continued, "I'm sorry about leaving so early. I just have the feeling this is going to take all day long."

"Its fine Twilight." Rarity replied as she pulled out a makeup kit from her saddlebag, "I just hate we're not going to Canterlot for pleasure."

"No kidding. Nothing good came from this little adventure." Rainbow added as she slumped down in a chair before glancing at Flash, "Is the prisoner on board?"

"Yup. Got Iron Core looking after him in the back car. We've agreed to take shifts. Makes me glad we have Lightning now to look after Ponyville." Flash responded while turning to his partner, who was just slumped over beside him, "You okay bud?"

"Yeah. I'm just tired." Springer sighed as he closed his eyes, "Yesterday...took a lot out of me."

Everypony frowned at this, seeing the pain on the jakhowl's face. This was followed with Flash wrapping his partner up with his wing, hugging him.

"Oh Springer..." Fluttershy muttered out as tears began to form in her eyes, her wings also coming over to hug the young defender. "I'm so sorry this happened."

Twilight looked away at this, glaring at the window to see the city in the distance. "We need to get to Canterlot as soon as possible. I...we need to know the truth. About everything."





A few hours later, the group got to Canterlot. There, a team of guards were waiting for them at the station, all quickly escorting them to the castle. As they got there, they were greeted by Grand Hoof and Skybreaker, the latter who had just arrived after a mission. They handed Shade over to the pegasi, which Iron asked to come along just in case the fox tried anything. The knight agreed to the help and readied himself to take the fox to the Grand Stable Penitentiary, which Grand told Skybreaker he would fill out the paperwork later, so the duo should just go ahead and escort the fox to jail.

Now they were in the throne room, where Ruby Scarlet had just arrived as well. Seeing the group and their frowns, Grand also noting this, Celestia spoke up, "Greetings everypony. I'm glad to see you all again after the Tirek incident, but...well, if I'm completely honest, you all do not look happy. I was worried when Spike sent me a letter about your sudden disappearance, and I suspect that Trickster is involved. So, what happened?"

"Its a long story, Princess Celestia," Twilight started before gesturing to Ruby, "And if you're wondering Ruby, I called you here because you're involved in this story, and I need somepony else to help verify the facts."

"Oh? What do you mean?" Ruby asked, "No offense your majesty, but I've been in the Crystal Empire ever since the Tirek incident."

"I know. This involves the past. Mainly yours and..." Twilight glanced back at Luna, "Princess Luna's."

"Hmm? What do you mean?" Luna replied, blinking.

Twilight's expression showed a long, dark glare, "I'm sorry to say Princess Luna, but I have reason to believe you've been lying to us...or you've been keeping a whole lot of secrets."

Celestia and Luna both leaned back at that, Luna's tone starting to rise as she glared back at the new princess, "And why do you accuse me of such things?!"

"Well, its a long story." Twilight admitted with a slight gulp. "It all started when we were kidnapped..."

It was here that Twilight started to tell the tale. She explained everything, how Shade had caught them all, how he had prepared what could only be described as sci-fi insanity when he plugged them up to his machine. The others in the room were grimacing at this, Ruby growling at what the fox had done. However, her expression changed when she heard she was the first thing the machine showed them, how she had failed the mission over Dark Mist and her knighting from Princess Luna.

"Oh..." Ruby muttered as she lowered her head, "Not the best of moments from my life."

"So, that was all true?" Twilight asked with a raised eyebrow, "The mission, the knighting...the duel with Sharp Paw at the start. That really happened?"

Ruby looked back up and nodded, only to tilt her head in confusion, "Yes Princess Twilight, that was all true. Everything you described was more or less true...at least, to a point. I don't remember exactly how the duel went between me and Sharp, but that's probably because I dueled him a ton of times. That one was probably not the memorable in comparison."

"Makes sense. Fight the same opponent enough and you'll have problems remembering every time you did it." Grand commented while rubbing his chin, "I gotta say though, this Dark Mist sounds like a super tough customer."

"He was a monster." Ruby growled, "Something I would love to forget fighting."

"Hold on everypony." Twilight almost interrupted as she tapped her hoof, "I didn't ask that because of the duel. I asked because of..." the alicorn glanced at Luna, "Princess Luna, why didn't you tell Springer that you were the jakhowls' ruler?"

Luna blinked at the comment, her face a bit scrunched in confusion. Seeing this, Ruby asked, "Wait...you never told him, Princess Luna? But why not? You were always proud to hold that title."

Luna's head shook as she looked around, seeing faces of expectation on everypony's face. She then felt a nudge on her side, "Luna? What's wrong?"

Luna turned to her sister, a frown on her face. Luna just blinked at the sight, her mouth slowly opening, "Well sister...I don't remember any of this."

"WHAT?!" everypony gasped, Twilight yelling next, "What do you mean you don't remember?!"

The Princess of the Night just shook her head again, "I'm sorry, but...everything you've said about the past...I don't know what you're talking about. I know Sharp Paw was my partner, and I remember knighting Ruby...but that's it." she crossed her hooves as he expression morphed into one of slight irritation, "I don't remember Ruby coming back from a mission, or this...Calm Paw."

"Princess Luna!" Ruby exclaimed with wide eyes, "How could you-your majesty, Calm Paw was a great friend to both of us! We four were inseparable back in the day! Surely you couldn't have forgotten her!"

Luna turned to Ruby, a frown on her face that made Ruby want to start shedding tears as she responded, "I'm sorry Ruby...but I don't. I...I don't know. In fact, I barely remember the Tricksters now that I think about it."

Everypony shared a glance at this, worried frowns and anxious expression on each face. Seeing this, Flash nudged Twilight and whispered, "Maybe we should tell her the rest of the story."

"Yeah, that's a good start to figuring this all out." Twilight admitted as she stared back at Luna, tapping her hoof to get the alicorn's attention, "Princess Luna, I still have some questions here, but...let's get back to the story. I suspect you all need to hear what happened next."

It was here that Twilight continued the tale, going over how it changed to Dark Mist and Vile Rune, both Luna and Ruby admitting they didn't know who she was talking about in terms of Vile Rune. Hearing this, Twilight told them about how it changed to where Ruby was now sealed within the Crystal Empire and Luna had fell into a depression. After that, she went into detail how Dark and Vile were going to destroy the jakhowls by making the Alicorn Amulet, but stopped right before the battle due to the princesses interrupting. This very fact over the amulet made two surprised faces from Celestia and Luna, both saying that they knew about the necklace's existence back then, but Celestia was particularly interested in its origins.

"Fascinating. I never would have imagined Tricksters were responsible for that weapon." Celestia added as she stopped Twilight's storytelling before glancing at Luna, "But now that I think about it, I should have known when I first laid my eyes on it."

"What do you mean?" Twilight asked with a tilt of the head.

Celestia rubbed her chin in thought despite not looking back at her student, "Well...Luna came with it one day and put it in the vault at our old castle. She said it was called the Alicorn Amulet and nothing should ever touch it."

"Wait...I did that?!" Luna yelped while hopping in place.

Celestia did a small nod. "Yes. If I remember right, you suddenly appeared and put it in the vault yourself, told the guards the warning...and then you disappeared." Celestia let out a long sigh, "I should have questioned it back then, but....I was blind and caught up in my work. If I think about it, you did look like you were in a trance."

Luna just blinked at this, "Sister...I don't remember doing that."

"You...don't?!" Celestia gasped, rapidly blinking as she put a hoof to her mouth, "But Luna, you were...oh." Celestia came to a stop as obvious despair appeared on her face. "Yeah. I should have saw that coming."

"What do you mean?" Luna asked, only to backpedal as she saw tears start to appear in Celestia's eyes.

"Well, it was a few days later that you...well..."

A click went off in Twilight's brain as she saw her teacher's hesitation. Seeing this, she decided to butt in, "She became Nightmare Moon, didn't she?"

Everypony went wide-eyed at this as Celestia nodded, "Yes Twilight, she did. It wasn't long after she brought that amulet that she became...the Nightmare."

"I had a feeling you were going to go there." Twilight added as she crossed her hooves, "As soon as Luna said she forgot, I knew it would answer a question I've had for some time now. Even before all this."

"What do you mean?" Flash asked with a raised eyebrow.

Twilight turned to him with a stiff expression, "Remember when we used Zecora's potion?" The defender nodded, "Well, when I used it first, you know, before you came along for the ride, I saw the battle between Princess Celestia and Nightmare Moon." She turned to the two rulers, "When I watched that, I was confused by one part." She pointed at Luna, "Princess Luna, before you became Nightmare Moon...well, you kept saying 'They're all gone' and 'I don't remember'. I suspect that has something to do with this situation right now."

Celestia's memories now clicked in at that moment, "You are right..." Celestia looked back at her sister, "I wondered for quite a while what you meant, though I did find out."

"YOU DID?!" Twilight exclaimed, the other Mane Six all jaw dropping at the statement.

"Well...yes?" Celestia flakily replied, "I suspect it was because the jakhowls disappeared, right? I was never convinced it was conflict that made them go away."

"Wha...but..." Twilight stuttered, unable to respond. Seeing this, Flash patted her shoulder as he nodded to her, showing he was going to take the lead.

"Your majesty...do you really know what made the jakhowls disappear?" Flash asked next.

Celestia shook her head, "No. I just knew them disappearing what was Luna was talking about. You see, historians believe that the appearance of Nightmare Moon caused the conflict that made the jakhowls disappear. Now, in retrospect, this does make sense in terms of the jakhowl's nature and the fact that Luna was their leader. Also, Equestria was in deep conflict for many years after that event...but there was never any evidence as to what really happened to them. That's why I ended up going along with the researchers, as jakhowls can't live in a place of conflict."

"But...that's not what happened, your majesty." Flash countered before doing a large gulp, "The jakhowls...well..."

Flash started to twiddle his hooves, making Celestia and Luna blink, "What happened Flash?"

The defender glanced back at his partner and Twilight, a huge frown on his face. Hesitation was on all their faces, the others seeing this as well. However, in a moment of sudden surprise, Fluttershy took a deep breath as she walked in front of the others before speaking up, "Your majesty, the jakhowls….well, the jakhowls are gone because of the Alicorn Amulet."

Celestia, Luna and Ruby all glanced at each other at this statement, Ruby replying first, "What do you mean?"

"Well...you see..." Fluttershy did a small gulp, only to feel a hoof on her shoulder. She turned to see Twilight, who she nodded to as the princess took over the storytelling.

"I'll start again. And if you don't mind, let's try to finish the tale before we have questions." The others nodded in agreement as Twilight took a deep breath, "As I was saying before, the scene we saw next was Dark Mist and Vile Rune talking about the Alicorn Amulet..."

Her words graced the room as she continued to talk, now telling them how it changed to where Luna was playing with the young jakhowls. She told them about her casting a spell on Sharp's egg, which Luna admitted she also didn't remember doing, and how Dark Mist came to demand the law over Tricksters to be changed. Ruby and Luna both commented here that Sharp acting against Dark like that sounded just like him, only to grimace as they all saw the expressions on the ponies and jakhowl's faces.

It was here that Twilight finally told them about how Dark Mist's and Vile Rune's plan worked, causing them to destroy both the jakhowls and the Tricksters in one fell swoop. Twilight tried to make it not too graphic, but the bare details were already too much. The very statement of what happened made Ruby break down in tears, putting her hoof over her eyes as Grand slowly walked up and patted her side. Luna was similar with her sorrow, slumping over as Celestia put her wing over her sister.

"I...I can't believe it." Ruby gasped, sniffing as tears flowed over her nose, "Calm...Sharp...that's what happened to you?!"

"Oh...why can't I remember this?! What's wrong with me?!" Luna cried as she put her hooves over her face, "Sharp...oh Sharp..."

Everypony frowned at this, despair settling in the room. There weren't sure how long this went on, but they knew the duo needed to cry before going on. And as this time passed, Twilight tried to calm herself, making sure to mentally prepare herself for what she had to say next. Soon, they saw that Luna and Ruby had stopped crying, which Twilight took a deep breath as she stared at the Lunar Ruler. "Princess Luna, I'm sorry, but this isn't over. I need to ask you a few questions."

Doing a small sniff, she nodded, "I understand...but I will warn you Princess Twilight, I still do not remember any of this."

Twilight crossed her hooves at that, "I know, but that still doesn't solve this." She shifted her stare to the sister, "Princess Celestia, you said she brought the Alicorn Amulet to the castle, correct? First off, what happened to it? How did Lightning eventually get his hooves on it?"

"Oh that? Well..." Celestia let out a sigh, "The castle has always had problems with thieves. When I moved to Canterlot, certain things happened about...let's say a few centuries ago? Something like that. Point is, it was stolen. As such, I would repeatedly end up fighting whoever stole it and getting the amulet back, only for it to get stolen again. I don't know why, but this kept happening no matter what I did with the amulet until..."

"I broke it." Flash finished, making Celestia nod.

"I never fully understood its properties, as I knew I should never wear it. I always assumed it was just something that was...well, cursed in a way." Celestia crossed her hooves at this, "Let's leave it there, shall we?"

"Okay." Twilight added as she tilted her head, "If that's the case, do you know anything else? I mean, no offense, but we don't know what happened to this...Vile Rune." Twilight's tone went to a hiss at mentioning the name, "He's just as evil as Dark Mist in my opinion."

"I agree. He did technically do...acts of genocide." Celestia replied, shuddering at her own words, "But I am sorry Twilight, I don't know any Vile Rune."

Twilight let out a long sigh, "I was afraid of that." She looked back at Luna, "Princess Luna...you sure you don't remember any of this?"

"No." Luna admitted while shaking her head while rubbing it with her hooves, "I wish I did...but I don't."

Everypony frowned at this, Twilight putting her hoof to her chin in thought. Seeing this, Springer spoke up for the first time, "Princess Luna?"

Luna blinked at the jakhowl, "Yes Springer?"

"If you really don't remember...why do you remember Sharp Paw?"

"I...I don't know, young jakhowl." Luna muttered as she slumped down in her throne, "I always thought it was because I just didn't remember everything after coming back from being...the Nightmare."

Everypony hummed a glum tone at this, Celestia slowly glancing at her sister. A bulb went off in her brain as she asked, "Luna...could I try something?"

"Hmm? What do you mean?"

Celestia's horn began to glow, "Can I use a magic scan on your brain?"

Luna tilted her head at that, her brain slowly catching up, "I get where you're going, but what can that do sister? Didn't you have me examined back when I first returned?"

"I did, but that was mainly to make sure there was no dark magic left in you." Celestia admitted with a glum sigh, "There was still...traces, but that didn't matter. I knew you were back. I want to examine you for anything else."

"Okay." Luna stiffened herself, "Go ahead sister."

Celestia's horn shined like a miniature sun, the light covering the blue alicorn. Everypony watched as she saw the layers surround the head, Celestia's face scrunching as the scan continued. "Hmm..." Celestia muttered as the horn's glow intensified, "What is....there!"

Her scan came to a stop, making everyone hop in place as Luna glared up at her, "What?! What did you find?!"

"I...think I found what's preventing your memories." Celestia answered with crossed hooves. But before anyone could ask, she continued to talk, "You have a magic seal in your brain Luna."

"WHAT?!" Luna yelped as she gripped her head with her hooves, "But-but-but...didn't you already scan me before?! How is there a seal in my head?! How wasn't this found?!"

Celestia put her hoof to her chin in thought, "If I had to take a guess...its because it isn't dark magic. I sensed no ill will over what I scanned."

"What do you mean?! How is putting a seal in me not dark?!"

"Well...I don't know. I just know it isn't dark magic Luna." Celestia responded as she put her hoof on Luna's shoulder, "But we need to ask a different question here."

"What's that?"

"Do you want me to remove the seal? After all, we don't know what will happen to you if I do."

Luna was about to reply, her mouth opening...but no sound came out. Noticing this, she put a hoof to her chin, "Hmm...you have a point sister." The princess glanced at the others, all showing either frowns or looks of expectancy. Seeing this, Luna looked back at Celestia, "I don't know. Do you think it'll affect me in any way?"

"I'm not sure." Celestia commented as her horn started to glow again. "May I perform another scan?"

Luna nodded. "Go ahead."

Another wave of magic covered Luna's head, Celestia staring deeply at her sister, "Hmm...this isn't dark magic. In fact, it seems like its...light magic. Or something as powerful."

"Light magic? That's possible with a seal?" Twilight asked as she walked up to stand beside Celestia, "But why would Princess Luna have such a spell on her? And when did it happen?"

"Both good questions. As for the latter, it seems to be...well, quite old." Celestia admitted as she did a third scan. "I'm not sure why its here, but this seal is where it could seal memories in the brain."

"Do you think that's why she can't remember anything?"

"Possibly." Celestia replied as her scan came to a stop. A firm stare appeared on her face as she stared at her sister, "This worries me though. I don't know what will happen if I get rid of the seal, but...Luna, do you want me to remove it?"

"I..." Luna tried to respond, only to sigh. She then felt Ruby's hoof sling around her shoulders, her eyes staring up at her former student, "Ruby..."

"We understand if you don't want to do this." Ruby then gave her old mentor a hug, new tears appearing in Luna's eyes as she hugged her back. "We'll always be here for you."

"I know. Thank you, old friend." Luna replied as they ended their embrace, nodding to her former student before turning to Celestia, "Do it. Get rid of the seal."

"Are you-"

"Yes." Luna interrupted as she stiffened her form again. "Do it before I change my mind."

Celestia opened her mouth to respond, only to nod. Her horn lighting up, she took a deep breath before beginning the spell. The magic was a small string like beam, one that went directly to Luna's forehead, easily getting through skin and into the brain. There, a spiral of energy started to appear as she poured a tiny stream of magic into the beam. The group wasn't sure how long this spell took as they watched it, but that didn't change what happened.

And as the spell came to an end, both Luna and Celestia slumped over. Everypony gasped, all yelling, 'Are you alright?!' and 'What happened?!'. But they didn't respond. Instead, the two started panting, Celestia raising up first as she rubbed her face, "Oh...that seal was more than I thought." She looked down at her sister and asked, "Are you okay Luna?"

Luna stayed slumped over, her form not moving. That is, till a new fall of water began to appear on her face. But it wasn't just that, as her head hit the floor as more tears than possible started to flow from her. And as everypony tried to speak up, their ears suddenly heard a roar like no other.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!" Luna screamed as her head shot straight up, tears flying everywhere. Screams of pain continued as she put her hooves to her head, Celestia immediately embracing her as she saw her sister do this. Ruby followed suit, both holding her down as she continued to cry. The others all went wide-eyed at the sight, looks of fear and sadness on their faces as Luna crumbled under the two ponies hooves, her screams of pain continuing, "I REMEMBER! I REMEMBER IT ALL! THEY'RE GONE! THEY'RE ALL GONE!!!"

As she collapsed in front of the group, the ponies all glanced at each other next, all frowns on their faces as Flash nudged Twilight, "Let's wait for a bit."

"Yeah...I agree." Twilight replied as her ears flopped down, "Poor Princess Luna..."

A few hours passed after this, the others trying to help comfort Luna whenever they could. Celestia told the Mane Seven that this was going to be an aftereffect of the memory restoration, as it would make sense why she would break down after remembering every horrible event that had happened in one single burst. As such, Celestia had the castle staff get everypony lunch and relax before going back to the topic. It was here that they met Trixie, finding out she had busy with a intense multi-day study session Princess Luna had assigned to her yesterday. Her and Twilight exchanged notes at this point, Trixie horrified at learning what her mentor had gone through.

And when lunch ended, they returned to the throne room with Trixie following them. There, a still teary-eyed Luna awaited on her throne, Celestia and Ruby both by her side. Seeing this, everypony sat down as Luna spoke up first, "I'm sorry about the earlier display."

Twilight shook her head, "No need to apologize. We know this was...difficult to learn."

"Yes..." Luna responded as she rubbed her head, "If I'm honest, I'm not sure if I can cry any more tears now." She looked back up, taking a long deep breath, "But that's not important. Everypony...its time I tell you everything." She raised her hoof next, stopping anypony to even respond, "And before you ask, I'm going to do it even if it hurts me. I...have to do this."

Celestia put her wing around her sister, "We know. Just...take your time Luna."

"I know sister." Luna did another deep breath as she stared down at everyone, "Well, let's start after Vile created the amulet. After that, I was in shock over losing...everyjakhowl that I didn't react to him putting it on. Then..."





The Past...

"AHAHAHA!" Vile laughed as the amulet clicked around his neck. "YES! I now have ultimate power! Oh....I can already feel it!" Vile began to flex his hooves as a dark red aura started to appear over his eyes. "AHAHAHAHA!!!"

As his laughter continued, Luna continued to stare at the empty battlefield, her brain barely able to function as tears poured down her face. "Why...why..." she muttered as she water went past her mouth, "Oh...why..."

"Ahhh...yes! The power...its nothing like I've ever felt!" Vile remarked as his horn began to shine, a vicious grin appearing on his face as he glared at the alicorn, "Now, let's take it for a test drive!" His eyes went blood red as he yelled, "Hey alicorn!"

But Luna didn't respond, her eyes still staring at the canyon. Her nose kept sniffing as she started rubbing her face with her right hoof. "Sharp...Calm..."

"HEY! STOP IGNORING ME!" Vile screamed, a beam of pure magic flying out of his beam a split second later. And as the attack journeyed to strike the lunar princess, a quick spark of her horn shined as the beam suddenly came to a stop. The beam smacked into a magic barrier, instantly fizzing out. "Huh?!"

The princess's head slowly turned around, her once tear-filled face now showing nothing but dark, deep anger, "You dare attack me while I mourn?!" Luna hissed as magic swirled around her horn, "Do you not know who you attack?!"

"Oh, I know." Vile chuckled as he pointed at the alicorn, "I'm attacking a pony who thinks they're so much better than everypony, but the truth is...they're nothing!" His horn began to shine as the magic began to pour into it, "I am Vile Rune, and I have surpassed you so-called alicorns! I don't have to hide what I am anymore, as this is the power I have created, that I deserve!"

Luna's expression didn't change as she growled, "You don't deserve anything."

"Oh yeah?! Take this!" Vile yelled a another beam of magic flew out of his horn, this one twice as big as the last. Luna's barrier reappeared with just a speck of magic from her horn, only for it to start to fade, Vile's magic pushing it back, "HA! Looks like the amulet is already giving me-"

"Don't get cocky." Luna interrupted as the barrier suddenly vanished, only for a beam of magic to replace it. Her attack slammed into Vile's, pushing him back like a runaway carriage. The unicorn grimaced as he felt the pressure from the princess's beam, causing his hooves to start grinding in the dirt. Seeing this, Luna started to walk forward as her attack continued to overwhelm Vile's, "Is this all you have?! Is this all you wield after what you just did?!"

"No...NO!" Vile screeched as a new flare of magic blasted from his horn, his own attack blasting Luna's slowly back. "I have ultimate power! I will-"

"No." Luna's horn began to shine as he body suddenly glowed, only for her to disappear. The vanishing act made Vile's attack pierce right through where she used to be, his beam now flying across the canyon and destroying part of a mountainside. Before Vile could react, Luna reappeared in front of stallion, her hoof gripping his neck.

"Ack!" he yelped as Luna hoisted him off the ground.

"Don't be so surprised unicorn. You're fighting an alicorn, after all." A quick smack to the face was next, her hoof slamming Vile's mouth, knocking him flying into the air. His body fell like a rock after that, pain surging over his entire body.

It was here he felt the amulet surge, causing his horn to spark as he looked back up, now seeing Luna slowly walk up to him. The face she wore was one of nightmares incarnate, her horn now lit up as she stared him down. "Grrr...I'm not done!" Vile screamed as he got onto his hooves, a shiver of pain going through his whole body as he charged every bit of magic he could muster. "Die alicorn!"

A new beam of magic shot out of his horn, Luna glaring at the incoming attack as her own beam appeared. But as the two collided, the alicorn instantly felt resistance, the beam pushing her back. Feeling it as well, Vile just cackled, "HA! Do you see it now?! I'm better than you! I will-"

As his words continued to spit out of his mouth like venom, Luna just let out a snort as she dropped her attack. The beam fizzing out, Vile's attack suddenly consumed her, causing the unicorn to gasp in surprise, "Huh?! Wait...why did she-ack!" Another beam suddenly struck his forehead, this one small and thin. The attack made him turn and see that Luna had teleported to the his left side, causing him to growl at her, "What did you just hit me with?! What was that?!"

"I am the Princess of the Night." She replied as she began slowly walking up to him again, "Know that name and come to understand it."

"Under...stand?" Vile responded as he started to blink, his body suddenly feeling heavy, "Huh? What is...going..." He tried to summon power to his horn, but that even fizzed out as his hooves began to stumble, "I feel...so tired..."

"Indeed." Luna remarked as Vile felt a hoof grip his chin. Looking up, his eyes went wide as he saw Luna stare into his, a death glare now permanently embracing his brain as she continued, "Tell me, do you now seek the realm of slumber?"

"Slum...ber?" Vile barely said as his eyes rapidly blinked. His brain finally caught up here as he mumbled, "No...not a..."

With that, his body slumped over, Luna now finishing what he was going to say, "What? Not a sleep spell?" She leaned down as she whispered, "You should really know better. Sweet dreams, you monster."

She then laid him down slowly, making sure not a sound happened as she felt over his collar, now gripping the amulet in her hoof. "Now, let's get rid of this abomination." The princess began to pull with her hoof, only to feel a sudden surge of resistance. Momentarily surprised, she added her other hoof and tried again....only to no result. "Hmm...seems he thought ahead. Let's try this." Her horn lit up as a magic aura consumed the necklace, only for it to not work either. "Blast. He must have made a special lock for this thing. If that's the case..."

Her horn began to spark a new spell, this one looking like a thin line of magic as it went over and tapped Vile's skull, "Let's manipulate your dreams a bit, shall we?"





Luna had gone into many dreams, even in this ancient past. Despite this, almost all were foals, fillies and colts that needed help overcoming their fears. Darkness, shadows, boogeyponies, make-believe monsters...these were just a few of the many she would help them with.

But help was not needed here, not in this dream. Instead, the very sight made her sick to her stomach as she entered the unicorn's dream. She put a hoof to her mouth as she began to comment on the sight before her, "This is..."

In her scope of vision was what many would consider to be a true nightmare. That is, for anypony that wasn't Vile Rune. For you see, in his dream, he was sitting atop a golden throne, a pile of bits that would make any millionaire jealous under the chair. The unicorn was laughing his head off as he sat there, a look of disgusting pleasure on his face as he pointed to the sight in front of him. As for that, it was Luna, Celestia, Sharp Paw and Dark Mist, all of them in chains as they built a golden statue.

"Disgusting." Luna hissed as she glared back up at the throne, now seeing Vile drink down a bottle of booze, "You really are nothing but scum." Her horn began to shine as her form began to change within the dream, now appearing in servant-like garb of the time. "Thankfully, it shouldn't be too hard to take control of you here."

Slowly walking up to the pile of gold, she quickly noticed that Vile didn't even respond to her sudden appearance. In fact, he didn't seem to care about anything as he sat there. That is, except the pony beside him. This one was battered and beaten more than anything Luna had ever seen. She couldn't even tell what color his fur or mane was, as both were burnt to almost charcoal black levels.

But she did know who he was, as Vile put his hoof to the tortured pony's chin, "So pops, what do you think? I did pretty good for myself, didn't I?!"

"Yes...you did...son..." the pony barely said, making Vile lean back and laugh.

"AHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Oh yeah! I'm right!" Vile guffawed before turning to Luna, now acknowledging her existence while raising an eyebrow. "Oh? Who might you be?"

"Somepony here to help you."

Vile just chuckled in response, "HA! Sorry to say, but I don't need help. I'm the best there is, and I've proven it!"

"Oh, I wouldn't say that." Luna replied as she leaned up and put her horn to his forehead.

"Huh? What are you..." his words drowned in his mouth as Luna's horn lit up.

"I'm taking you over. Thankfully, manipulating dreams like these are simple, as is your mind once you're given what you want." She then put her hooves to the unicorn's face cheeks, "Now, my first command. Take off the amulet."





Back in the real world, Vile's hooves slowly reached for his collar. With a unsteady motion, the hooves began to tap the accessory, only for a click to let out. His horn began to glow next as a magic aura grabbed the necklace and lifted it up. A few seconds later, the amulet was lying on the ground while he continued to snore.

As for Luna, her eyes opened as she reentered the world. Glancing over to the amulet, she encased it in her magic before putting it on her back. "I'll deal with you in a minute. But first..." she looked down at Vile, a look of pleasure on his face as snores continued to exit his mouth. Hissing at the sight, Luna gripped his neck and pulled his body up before yelling, "WAKE UP!"

"AAAaaaahhhh!!!" Vile yelped as his eyes shot open, only to whimper as he saw a glaring alicorn two inches from his face, "What the heck?!" His brain quickly catching up, he began to summon magic into his horn, "Hey! Let me go alicorn!"

"Very well." Luna did so, making him stumble back, "You're not a threat after all."

"I'm not a-how dare you!" Vile barked, "I'll show you a threat!"

"I don't believe you will." Luna replied as she pointed to his neck, "Look down."

Reflexively obeying the command, the stallion stared down and gasped, now seeing his weapon gone. "What the?! Its gone!"

"As I said, not a threat."

Vile glared back up, steam blaring out of his nostrils, "Give it back! That amulet should be locked to me!"

"It was, and now it isn't. But that's not important." Luna calmly replied as she saw him summon magic, only for her horn to spark. The unicorn shot a beam next, but it was nothing to Luna. Her counter attack instantly cut his beam down, making him speechless as she walked up and gripped his neck. "What's important right now is what happens to you."

"To me? What are you-" Vile tried to respond, only for Luna to put her hoof over his mouth.

"Shush. Its time you learn of the consequences of what you've done, and what you must pay for such actions." With that said, she loosened her grip as a magic aura gripped the unicorn's entire body instead. Unable to move, Luna put both hooves on Vile's horn.

"Wha...what are you doing?!"

"I told you. I'm making you pay for everything you've done." Luna interrupted as her face went jet black, her eyes turning into glowing white spheres as she yelled, "And you'll pay right now!"

And as her hooves began to move, pain flowing through Vile's body...but it was not pain that triggered the memories that now flooded into his mind. No, it was Luna's words that swirled and drowned inside his ears.





The Past...

"My pops was a blacksmith. Our family made a living on making weapons, something I always loved...but not like him. You see, I had a different first love. I loved money.

Back then, before I learned my talent in runes, I lived off making things. Inventing things. I made many a little machine, all for that mighty thing called money. Didn't matter how I got it, I just knew I needed it. Even when I was just a colt, I wanted the big bucks.

But pops didn't care for that. Never did."

"I told you to stop Vile!" Vile's father yelled as he gripped the shoulders of his ten year-old son. He was a tall earth pony stallion, a gray charcoal coat covering his body with a dark green mane. His hooves were large, showing roughness and age as he kept his hooves on his child. "Stop it! Stop making these dangerous inventions of yours!"

"But pops, I made good gold today!" Vile Rune the colt barked back, a bag of bits in his right hoof, "Look! We can buy food for a few months with-"

"No!" his father interrupted, shaking his head. He then took the bag out of the colt's hooves, a long sigh following as he replied, "Son...I keep telling you this again and again. We don't deal in dirty money."

"That money ain't dirty! All I did was scam a bunch of gamblers!"

"And that's the point son!" his father screamed as he gripped Vile's shoulders again, "Son...you can't make those machines of yours just to make money. I've seen what you do with them. That...'one hoof slot' thing you made is just designed to steal from those ponies. Just the same with the one that manipulates the dice." Another sigh released itself from his mouth, "Son...when will you start making something productive with your life?"

"I am being productive! I'm making money, just like you make 'em by selling weapons!"

But his father shook his head. "Money isn't everything son. I make weapons because its my passion."

"And making money is mine! Look at that bag pops! I can make-"

"You stole this money from them, just like I saw you pickpocket when we out at the market last week!" the father interrupted again, tears now appearing in his eyes, "Son...Vile...you need to stop. If you don't, one day...one day you'll have to pay for everything you've done."

"Stop it or you'll have to pay for what I've done...pops loved that saying of his. Tch, I always hated those words."





A few years later...

"What did I tell you Vile?! What did I tell you?!" the father screamed into Vile's ear.

"Yeah yeah pops, whatever..." Vile yawned back, "Thanks for the bail, but-"

SMACK!

That was the sound of Vile's father hoof slapping his son's face, the now just turned adult stallion flinching at the pain. And as he rubbed his face, he yelped out, "Yow! What was that for pops?!"

"Don't thank me son!" the father yelled, "Don't ever thank me for doing something like this!"

"But pops-"

"No! Let me finish!" the father interrupted, "I shouldn't have to bail you out of prison son! Our family barely has enough money as it is! I told you, stop stealing! Stop trying to scam money out of ponies! I know your rune magic makes it easy, but I don't care! You got arrested this time because you stole from innocent ponies!"

"Oh come on pops, this again?! Those ponies aren't innocent! They're a bunch of crooks!" Vile hissed back with his tongue stuck out, "Look, I'm not gonna do the whole 'honest living' garbage like you and ma. In fact, I can make ten times more than-"

SMACK!

"Yow! What the-"

"Shut up!" his father screamed again, "Be quiet and listen!" He then gripped his son's shoulders, the stallion now flinching at the tight vice-like grip, "Son...you need to stop. If you don't, you'll have to pay for everything you've done. And I don't mean bailing out of prison son." He then let go of the pony's shoulders, a small sigh following this, "I'm sorry I hurt you son, but-"

"But nothing." Vile instantly replied, turning away with a dark glare on his face, "I'll make money and a living on my own pops. Got it?!"

But his father just sighed. "No...I don't got it son. And I'll never get it. All I know is one thing..."

"What's that?"

"I don't know when it'll happen son, but there'll be a time I can't bail you out."

Vile just rolled his eyes, "So? I'll just get out myself. I'll figure a way to get the power to do it, even without your help."

And as those last words exited his mouth, his father just shook his head, "No son. That's when you'll pay for everything you've done."

"But pops never stopped me. Maybe he loved me too much, maybe he was afraid he had already failed...but it didn't matter. I couldn't care less about that old piece of snot. He was nothing to me, and will never be anything else. After all, there's always a way to get more. That's all I wanted...more. More power, more wealth...more everything.

I'll never pay for what I've done. I'll always win."





"And you'll pay right now!"

KER-THUNK!!!

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!"

Vile's screams continued to cover the now empty battlefield, blood trickling down his face as he continued to cry out in pain. He then fell to the dirt, his face kissing the earth, his body shaking on the ground as he kept screaming. And as this happened, Luna just stood over him, her right hoof that was covered in bleeding bruises from using every bit of her earth pony strength, was now holding a broken brown unicorn horn. The bottom of the piece was dripping with red liquid, but Luna didn't care as it covered her hoof.

"My horn!" Vile screeched as he put both hooves on his forehead, his eyes twitching and bloodshot as he stared up at Luna. "How dare you...HOW DARE YOU DO THAT TO MY HORN!"

"Oh, shut up." Luna instantly replied as she leaned down, her eyes glaring directly into his, "This is just the start for you. You will pay-"

"SHUT UP! Don't you dare say those words to me!" Vile interrupted, spit flying out of his mouth as a trickle of blood fell over his left eye, "I'll never pay, you hear me?! I'm better than you!"

"Oh? And how is it that you, which could only be described as the most evilest piece of scum I've ever met, be better than me?!" Luna hissed as she pointed directly at his face.

"I've always been better than you! I'm better than you and you disgusting sister! Don't you dare look down on me! I'm Vile Rune!" Vile screamed as he tried to scramble his hooves to get up, only for the pain in his forehead to make him lose balance, "Gah! It hurts! Blast it...give me back my horn!"

A small snort escaped Luna's nose as she leaned down to the struggling unicorn, her horn glowing as she levitated the horn to Vile's face. "If you're so much better than me, then stop me from making you pay. Like this."

BLAM!

That was the sound of a beam of magic coming out of Luna's horn, instantly striking the horn. And as this happened, Vile's eyes went wide as he watched his horn turn into a pile of ash. The pieces fell to the ground, Vile screaming as he tried to grab them with his hooves, only for the wind to instantly push the ashes away. "No! Come back! You're mine! You're-"

"It will never come back." Luna interrupted as she gripped Vile's neck with her right hoof, pulling him up to her face. Tears poured down her face as a cold, deadly glare pierced from her eyes, "I'm so tempted to end you right here and now...but you deserve far worse than death. You will-"

"Don't you dare say-"

SMACK!

Luna's left hoof socked Vile's jaw, three teeth flying out as he felt his bones crack from the blow. She then used her hoof to push him back to looking at her straight in the face, as low hiss escaping her breath, "You will pay for what you have done." Her right hoof clenched next, making Vile let out a cackled gasp as she continued, "You will beg for the end when I'm done with you. And if you're wondering, I'm gonna start by putting you in the deepest hole in Tartarus, where even monsters like Tirek fear to tread."

Vile shivered at the mention of his name, the monster already being legendary in this era. But despite this, he let out another yell as he glared back at her, "Don't you dare! Give me back my horn, you monster!"

"Its gone. Just like the rest of your life." Luna's hoof grip tightened as her eyes almost touched his, a low hiss following, "And trust me on this, you'll want your life to end when I'm done with you. After all, its a long trip to the entrance of Tartarus." Vile's body shook ten times as much as these words left her mouth, "Now, let's get going. You have a lot to pay for."





The Present...

"I believe I don't need to say anything else. I...I did to him exactly what I said I was going to do. After that...well, I put the amulet in the vault as I mentioned earlier." Luna muttered as she slumped down in her throne, her eyes now seeing the frightened looks on everypony's faces. That, and the sadness on others, especially Ruby and Trixie as they walked up and gave the princess a hug.

As for Celestia, she let out a long sigh as she rubbed her face, "Great suns...to think such a...tragedy happened in our kingdom. I am so ashamed I didn't help you back then Luna."

"Its fine sister. I...wouldn't have asked for your help at the time." Luna admitted as a new stream tears fell off her face and into Ruby's back, "I...I was already lost at that point."

"Wow...that was...crazy." Flash added as he fell onto his flank, his wing still hugging Springer as he thought over the events, "I mean...that's nuts."

"I couldn't agree more kiddo." Grand replied as he rubbed his chin in thought, "In all my years, its been a long time since I've heard of somepony be that...evil. Him and Dark Mist, they were true monsters, through and through."

As everypony nodded at that, they let Luna's tears fade, her form slowly recovering from retelling the horrible events. And as she started to get back into being able to talk again, Twilight spoke up first, "Princess Luna, I know this may be hard, but-"

"You still have questions, yes?" Luna answered, getting a nod from the young alicorn. "I know. You're probably wondering how I lost my memory. Well, its a long story." She slumped into her chair as Ruby rubbed her back, "We'll start after I put Vile in his place and went back home..."





The Past...

Death could not be more obvious in Luna's eyes. She looked dead, life almost completely gone from her body as she stumbled across the plains of Equestria. After leaving Tartarus, her brain couldn't even remotely help her go home as she walked across the grasslands. "Sharp...Calm...Ruby..." she muttered to herself as tears went down her chin, "They're all gone...all gone...and nopony cares. Nopony but me..."

She had been crying for hours, tears somehow still forming as they continued after endless hours. And as she started to see her castle in the distance, she blinked at the sight, noticing the now emptiness of it all. Her hooves stepped inside as she cried again, now seeing not a single soul in sight. She stumbled around the building for an unknown amount of time, checking every room, only to still see nothing. "Its all gone....all gone..."

The princess slowly went to the throne room of the castle next, putting her head into her hooves as she continued to cry. "All gone...all gone..."

Her horn began to glow as she slumped into her throne, not even noticing the amount of magic she had started summoning. Before she knew it, a spiral of power began to form as she screamed into the nothingness, "WHY?! WHY IS THIS HAPPENING TO ME?! WHY?!"

BOOM!

Magic blasted out of her horn and into the castle's ceiling, beams soaring from the horn as it struck multiple pillars. As such, the sound of shifting stones could be heard as the building started to collapse in on itself. But she didn't care, her body still slumped over as the rubble fell around her, somehow not even remotely touching her. And as it fell down, she looked back up from her hooves and saw the destruction her runaway magic had done...only to feel nothing. Nothing at all.

"It doesn't matter." she said to herself, "None of it matters..."





The Present...

"I always had a feeling you destroyed your castle." Celestia commented as she hugged her sister.

"Yeah...not my greatest moment." Luna admitted as she bit her lip. She then felt her sister's wings hug her.

"I'm so sorry Luna. I'm so so sorry I wasn't there for you. I should have known."

"Its...its fine." Luna replied as she slowly hugged back, "This was all my fault. I should have done more...but I didn't." She glanced back up at Twilight as she ended the hug, seeing the expectant face on the alicorn, "Hold on Princess Twilight Sparkle, your answer is about to come into play. Now, as I was crying over these events..."





The Past...

Luna didn't know how long she had been crying. Hours, days, weeks...time was meaningless to her. Regardless, as she sat there in the ruins of her castle, her ears did not pick up the steps of new individual approaching. As such, she continued to curl up and cry as the newcomer walked up to her.

A calm, delicate voice soon spoke out, "Luna...what are you doing?"

The voice didn't reach her ears at first, so the newcomer repeated them. And after the third time, Luna looked up from her tears, only to go wide-eyed, "Wha…"

"Hello, Princess Luna." the individual replied in a soft, kind tone.

Luna just went wide-eyed. In front of her was what looked like a large glowing golden light. It had no form, yet it stood on the rubble-infested ground before her. The princess blinked at the sight, unable to comprehend what she was seeing, "What...who are you?"

"I am someone that is here to help you."

"Help...me?" Luna asked with quivering lips, "I don't-"

"Stop." the golden being interrupted, "Do not question it. I am here to help you, and that is all." The being 'turned' and then said, "Follow me. There is work you must do, as it pertains to the jakhowls."

"Work? Jakhowls?" Luna replied with a raised eyebrow. However, don't she didn't understand why, she got up and started to flowing the golden being. As she did this, she soon saw that the being was going into what should have been the castle's infirmary. And as they arrived, she let out a gasp, "That's-"

"Indeed. This is the work you must accomplish." the golden replied as it gestured to the what Luna was looking at. It was Sharp and Calm's egg, now sitting in the middle of a giant pile of rubble. Despite this, not a scratch was on it.

"I...I don't understand. I'm sure I checked in here and the infirmary was empty!"

"You did." the golden one responded as it went around the egg, "But this egg is special. The spells you put on it prevented it from being taken like the other jakhowls, including the eggs."

"How did..."

"Don't question it." the golden being said as it walked up to Luna, "You must instead accomplish a different task."

"A different..." Luna tried to respond, glancing back at the egg, "I don't-"

"You must make sure this egg does not hatch."

"HUH?!" Luna yelped as she stared back at the golden being, "What are you-why would I do that?!"

"Because...it is dangerous for a jakhowl to be here right now. There are no jakhowls here in Equestria, meaning its life will be in danger."

"But...that's..." Luna wanted to counter it, but couldn't. Her mind told her that this was true, as the jakhowl would be all alone with the exception of Luna. As such, she just stared at the golden being as her brain finally caught up, "What should I do?"

"You must seal it away."

"Seal it away?"

"Yes. And I know the perfect place."





Luna had to admit, she didn't expect this. Despite everything she had been through, she never imagined that the golden being would suggest the origin of her and her sister's reign. Before her was now the Tree of Harmony, its splendor and glory now still filled with its magic even after the elements had been removed. Luna didn't question the decision though, as she knew the tree's power.

"So...what do I do?" Luna asked as she cradled the egg in her hooves.

"You must ask the tree to allow you to seal the egg away. As such, the tree will keep the egg suspended in time, allowing it to be hatched in the future."

"I see..." she looked down at the egg, "But will this solve everything? Will the jakhowls...will they-"

"No." the golden being interrupted, causing Luna to look back up at her. "This will not save them. This is merely a temporary solution."

"But then...why do it?!"

"Because there will come a time where the jakhowl can be saved."

"But..." Luna tried to say, only to stare back down at the egg, "I..."

"I am sorry, but this is the best way for now. I know its hard for you, but if you wish to save them, you must do this."

Staring deeply into the egg, Luna sighed before asking, "Who...who are you? Why are you doing this?"

"I..." The golden being paused, making Luna look back up, "Let's just say, I'm someone who wishes to help you. I know I can't do much, but this is the least I can do."

Luna glanced back down, her wings now hugging the egg, "Even if that's the case, I..."

"You don't want to abandon the egg, do you?"

"No...its all I have left." Luna looked back up, "Is there anything else I can do? Is there....is there any way to take this pain away?!" Luna's eyes began to for tears yet again, "This pain...this loss...I can't take it!"

"Well...there is one thing I can do."

"What?"

"I can help you forget."





The Present...

"Forget?" Twilight repeated, blinking at the lunar princess.

"Yes." Luna replied as she kept slumping into her throne, "Though I don't know who that...golden individual was, they gave me a choice. They could seal my memories of everything that I wanted to forget."

"But there was a catch, wasn't there?" Celestia asked, getting a nod from Luna.

"Yes. I would have to forget everything about the jakhowls. After all, if I remembered them, that could make me remember the horrible event. Not only that, forgetting that much...well, most of memories of that time were just the bad ones because the jakhowls weren't there. That made me...start to really fall into darkness." She put her hoof to her head, "I don't know how I remembered Sharp Paw though...I guess it was the bond we had was too strong for the seal."

"Even so, you barely remembered him." Twilight stated with crossed hooves, "But this...'golden being', who was it? Did you ever find out?"

"No." Luna responded while shaking her head, "After I sealed the egg within the tree and sealed my memories...I don't remember ever seeing it again."

"Did the golden being seal away your memories of it?"

"Possibly…but that's not important." Luna remarked as her eyes gazed over to the jakhowl on Flash's back, "There's something else I was able to confirm here."

"What do you mean?"

"Well...do you remember when you all gave up your elements?" The group nodded in unison. "After that event, I stayed at the tree for a bit, and...I saw something interesting. In the tree was an odd groove, one that looked very old. I never remembered seeing it till we got rid of the memory seal, and I also know that I remember it wasn't there when me and my sister first gained the elements."

"Wait...if that's the case, that means-" Twilight tried to finish, only to gasp. Darting her eyes toward Springer, she went wide-eyed, "Springer...are you-"

"Indeed Twilight Sparkle." Luna responded as she stared at the jakhowl, "Springer, do you remember anything before meeting Flash Sentry?"

"Me? Um..." Springer tapped his chin in thought, "Hmm...I know I wandered around a bunch, but..." He shook his head, "No, not really."

"That's not surprising. Young jakhowls never remember their first days of life." Luna remarked as she exited her throne, "Especially one that has been in an egg for over a thousand years."

Everypony went wide-eyed at this, most gasping as Springer pointed to himself, "Princess Luna, you're not saying-"

"I am. In fact, I'm certain." Luna pointed to the jakhowl, "You are the son of Sharp Paw and Calm Paw, the one that hatched from the egg that I sealed inside the Tree of Harmony."

"HUH?!" Springer gasped as everypony stared at him, "But...how...what..."

"Flash Sentry, when and where did you meet young Springer here?" Luna asked next, making Flash look back at her.

"Um...maybe two or three weeks after I moved to Ponyville, and it was inside the Everfree Forest. Why do you ask?"

"Because it confirms my theory even more." Luna put her hoof to Springer's chin, "Springer, you were released upon this world after I was defeated. The change in the Elements of Harmony must have sparked this, along with the creation of the Element of Courage." A new set of tears dripped down her face, "No wonder you remind me of Sharp Paw. You are just like him...just like your father."

"My father...I..." Springer's brain stopped at this information, shock now obvious on his face. The others were just the same as they continued to stare at him.

That is, till Rainbow cheered, "Whoa! That's awesome!" she exclaimed as she flew up to the jakhowl, "Your parents were so cool!"

"Darn tootin'!" Applejack added, "After what we all saw, I'd say they would have been some mighty fine parents!"

"Yeah! Not only that, we should totally have a 'found out my past' party for you Springer!" Pinkie cheered, making Twilight roll her eyes.

"Maybe later Pinkie." Twilight turned back to Springer, "Either way, this is quite the surprise. That being said, are you okay Springer? You're looking a little...well, shocked to say the least."

"I don't...I just...I..." Springer tried to say, only to see Flash laugh at him, "Hey! What's so funny?!"

"Oh nothing. Just me being happy to have the best partner around." Flash put his wing around the jakhowl, "After all, your daddy was the head honcho of the jakhowls! That's pretty awesome buddy!"

"I...yeah." Springer replied with a blush on his face. His brain reminded him of all he had saw yesterday, how Sharp and Calm defied the worst of the Tricksters. "Wow...they were pretty cool."

"GROUP HUG!" Flash suddenly yelled, making everypony dogpile on the jakhowl. Nothing but laughter followed this, smiles now returning to everypony's faces. Even Luna was smiling, hugging Springer as Ruby joined her.

"I'm so glad...so glad their child turned out like this." Luna said as Ruby nodded in agreement. They continued to hug for a while before breaking apart, Luna then patting Springer's head as she continued, "And Springer, do not worry about the future."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

Luna bent down next and put her hooves on Springer's shoulders, "I don't know who or what that golden being was, but I know this...you have hatched at the right time. I know that may sound odd, but it is true. I believe after seeing you and how you overcame Shade...you make me believe that there will be a future for the jakhowls."

"Really?!"

"Yes." Luna replied with a nod.

"Indeed." Celestia added as she looked over at the others. "I'm glad we've had this meeting, as its uncovered a lot. As such, let's call it a day. I will arrange rooms for you all and then you can go home to Ponyville tomorrow."

"Thank you, your majesty." Flash replied, all of them bowing.

Seeing this, Grand began to help Celestia make the arrangements as Luna and Ruby took Springer aside. There, Luna said, "And Springer, if there is anything you need help with over jakhowls, just ask."

"Yeah. I'm here to help as well." Ruby added, making Springer nod to the two.

"Thanks. Though uh...could I ask one thing?"

"What?"

"Though not right now...could I ask you to tell me more about my mom and dad later?"

The two gave two giant smiles as they replied in unison, "Of course."

With that, the journey was finally over. What started as a turmoil of incident after incident for the Mane Seven ended here. Of course, there were even more problems to come as they returned home to the new crystal castle, but this ordeal that went over thousand years ago had come to a close. Springer was now the new generation of the jakhowl, and Luna had helped him realize that by showing him his past. This alone would help carve a new future, one yet to be told for Springer, Flash Sentry, and their friends.

But as with all things, there is a darkness that still exists. As such, one must go to confront it.





A few days later...

The sound of royal hoofsteps could be heard as a certain Princess of the Night made her way down a hallway inside the Grand Stable Penitentiary. She had never been in this prison before, as it was built during her banishment to the moon. Despite this, she never had a desire to go there...until now.

"Well well well...look who we have here." mocked a certain slimy voice, a cackling laugh following this, "Hee hee hee…"

"Hello Shade." Luna responded as she walked up to a prison cell, a row of bars separating her and one Trickster. It was Shade, who was in his battle form while leaning back on the prison bed. A big old grin was on his face as his eyes shifted over to the alicorn.

"And what do I owe the honor of your presence?" Shade asked as he tilted his head slightly, his grin going a bit sideways.

"I'm here to ask one question, Shade." Luna hissed, a low deep glare on her face as she grit her teeth. "And you will answer me or else face the consequences."

"Which are?"

"You don't want to know. Trust me on that." Luna growled as her horn began to glow.

Shade just stuck his tongue out and waved his paw, "Bah, I definitely don't trust you. You're my kind's greatest enemy besides the aura freaks." His tongue rolled back inside as he shined a huge grin, putting his claws up to his mouth, "But I don't mind answering a single question. What's up?"

Luna's eyes narrowed as she prepared to ask your question, "Who are you really?"

Shade raised his eyebrow at this, "Hmm?"

"You're not who you say you are. I know Dark Mist, and he's not one to just give his plans to a minor Trickster. Who are you really?"

Shade just giggled at this, his grin growing, "Hee hee hee...well, how about I answer your question with a question. Who do you think I am?"

Luna bit her lip at this, "You're either somepony directly connected to Dark Mist, possibly more than just being a Trickster...or you're something worse."

"Oh?" Shade's grin curled at this, "Please tell me what you think worse is!"

Luna's expression darkened as her glare became one of pure icy death, "You're Dark Mist...or perhaps, what you could call his reincarnation."

"Hee hee hee...hee hee hee!" Shade exclaimed as he fell back laughing, Luna's hooves smacking the bars.

"Stop laughing! Stop it right now!"

"But its so funny! Hee hee hee...hee hee hee!" the fox chuckled as he continued to roll on the floor, "You think...I'm Dark Mist?! Hee hee hee...hee hee hee! Oh, you can't be serious!" Luna opened her mouth to scream at the Trickster, only to stop as the fox got back up with a straight blank face, "But you're not completely wrong."

"Wha…"

"Hold it!" Shade flashed a paw as he got back up, "Before you ask anything, I'll explain." He then put his paw to his forehead, pulling back the hair as it revealed the runes from before, "As I said, you're not completely wrong."

"What...do you mean?"

"Simple." Shade sat back down on the bed, winking at the princess, "Tell me, how do you think I know everything despite being so young? Those bearers of Harmony, they did tell you about the machine I built, correct?" He leaned over with a cocky smirk, "How do you think I made it? Don't I seem too young?"

Gears began to turn in the alicorn's brain as she started to catch on to what he was saying, "The runes...the ones that released you from Alicorn Amulet...they're what make you like Dark Mist." She slowly raised her hoof, "What is that rune?"

Shade's grin began to curl again, "Oh, nothing much. Let's just say...its a two-fold rune. Specifically, a memory rune and a protection rune fused together." He pointed to his forehead, the rune slowly shining in the fur, "You see, under normal circumstances, memory runes are how we Tricksters pass down our knowledge. However, Dark Mist knew that the plan had a chance of failing, so he made me the back up plan. This protection rune's design was based on the amulet, which allowed me to be protected all those years." he leaned in with a smaller smirk, "After all, he was so sure you would break the amulet if you beat Vile. Too bad it didn't happen till so much later."

"In other words, you're part Dark Mist because you have all his memories and knowledge in that rune." Luna added with a growl, "That's why you're like him."

"That's right. Dark Mist was just like me. Memories of hatred, anger and knowledge passed down to him from previous Trickster leaders, and its all thanks to the memory runes we use." Shade continued with a proud smile, "Hee hee hee...oh, I wish I could see him again. He was so amazing. A being beyond words. One that made a plan that killed more jakhowls than any other Trickster! Hee hee hee...hee hee hee!"

This statement made Luna's expression change. No longer one of anger...but of cockiness. She shined a small grin as she said, "That's good. Because I'm making sure Dark Mist is only known as the single dumbest Trickster to have ever lived."

This made Shade's smile vanish, his eyes going wide as he turned to the grinning alicorn, "HUH?! What did you just say?!"

"You heard me fox." Luna replied as her smile now began to grow, "We alicorns write the history books. Since jakhowls and Tricksters have now reappeared in Equestria, I have the duty and right to put them back in the history books." She leaned up to the bars, "And now I will write that Dark Mist is the single dumbest, most stupid monster to have ever lived, one that killed his own race out of his own idiocy."

"WHAT?!" Shade screamed as he ran up to the bars, only to feel electricity zap his paws as he grabbed the bars, the shock soon knocking him back, "Augh!"

"HA!" Luna laughed as she put a hoof to her muzzle, "Oh, you have to do that again. That was too funny!"

"Shut up!" Shade screeched as he got back up, "How dare you! How dare you trample on the memories of the great Dark-"

"Oh, please." Luna interrupted with a roll of her eyes, "Dark Mist is gone, fox. He will never be remembered as nothing more than a pathetic, worthless hoofnote in history." A big grin started to reform on her face, "In fact, I'll make sure the history books show the jakhowls triumph over them so much, the historians will wonder why the Tricksters even bothered."

"Why you...you stinking, filthy-"

"I'm done here." Luna admitted as she started to walk away, "I just needed to confirm you weren't Dark Mist, and I believe I have my answer. You're nothing worth talking about, just like him."

"Hey! Don't you dare leave!" Shade yelled as he ran up to the bars again, only to be zapped once more. "Augh!"

"No, I think I'll be taking my leave." Luna added as she vanished down the hall. "Goodbye fox."

"You fake ruler! You come back here now!" Shade continued to scream, "Curse you! Curse you, you stinking abomination!"

The yells continued to go on for an hour, the fox starting to pant as he slumped over in his prison bed, "No good alicorn. I hate you so much." A long sigh followed this as he leaned back, "But I shouldn't let that discourage me. I mean, this current situation isn't too bad." His mouth began to shift as his tongue went back and forth, only to open to show a certain red ball, "I do have a way out of this." His teeth began to press down on the sphere, only for his tongue to pull it back in. "But not yet."

A grin began to reappear on his face as he chuckled, "Hee hee hee...after all, a shadow is about to consume this world...and I think I'll stay out of its way for now."


The End...for now.