> The Ancient Guardians > by autobotfan15 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Prologue: The poem > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- When heroes no longer save the day… The monsters will come out to play… Only to make evil suffer and pay… Until it no longer wants to stay… Everything will soon be Okay… Fate always has a way… That’s what the withering scroll said as a little filly named Petunia, a young archeologist, dug it up and showed it to her fellow explorers. An elderly mare stared at it for a moment then turned to Petunia. “And where did you say you found this young mare?” “In an old treasure chest right over there. The lock looked completely busted and rusted. It must’ve been here for ages.” Petunia said almost excitedly. The other ponies gathered around it. The chest had a rusty metal frame and rotting wood with holes in it. Just like almost everything else around the area. The group were exploring a small area near the coast of Equestria near the city of Fillydelphia. The area had small buildings, caves, and two wrecked and abandoned wooden ships. Some have speculated this was where pirates once camped and hid their treasure. Others say this was where hippogriffs once lived before they were forced to Mount Aris by the storm king. But sadly there was no other treasure other than the chest that had this old scroll and the Hippogriffs immediately debunked the theory about this place being an early settlement. The elderly mare just continued to stare at the scroll getting an odd feeling from it. Eventually she shook off the feeling. "Well either way its a very interesting find Petunia. Hopefully the top professors from the University can figure out more about this and maybe this place as well." The group continued to search the area until they decided to pack up and leave. As they all left a mysterious hooded figure with a horn watched them leave. He sighed as he began talking to himself. His voice sounding like he was full of wisdom and experience. "Every Universe is different from another. No two universes are ever the same. But in most universes evil always has an adversary so powerful they'll have no choice but to either surrender or suffer. There are just so many ways a villain can be taken down." With a flicker of his unicorn horn he opened a portal and walked right in. "Lets take a look shall we?" > Nightmare Moon: The warning of the night Part 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nightmare Moon simply sat on her throne with a triumphant smirk. Her plan gone off without a hitch. All she had to do was to make sure those six mares couldn't get to her old castle to activate the stones called the elements of harmony, and they never made it. All that everypony knew was that they entered the Everfree forest and never came out, but the Nightmare knew what happened in that forest. Trapping them was so easy as well taking away the stones before they could get to them. Now they are sitting in a dungeon in that same castle. It didn't take long for some ponies to rebel but those rebellious forces didn't stand a chance. As for Princess Celestia, Nightmare thought it would be fitting for her to be imprisoned inside the same place she was trapped in; on the moon. She originally wanted to send her to the sun but thought it would be more humorous to have her on the moon so she can see the kingdom ruled under her hoof. The thought of her made her excited but she couldn't get too excited now. Not when there are still royal duties to uphold. She sat on her throne as she waited for somepony to enter the throne room with a concern she, as a ruler, could fix. Sure enough a pony entered flanked by two guards. The pony an elderly green earth pony mare. She slowly hobbled up to the throne and bowed respectfully at her. "Rise dear subject. What is it that you seek from me?" Granny Smith slightly shivered then looked up to her and asked one of her two questions. "Where is my Granddaughter? I- no. We need her with us." Nightmare just scoffed and looked down at her. "She can re-enter society when she learns to behave for now she is under my watch. Now is there anything else you need?" Granny tried her best to fight back the tears as she asked her second question. "Can you please raise the sun so my crops wont die?" The maids gasped and the guards pointed their spears at her as if she offended her. "Please yer majesty! The trees are dying and the apples are rotting. We need sunlight to grow our food and it'll be worst when winter comes!" "ENOUGH" the mare shrieked. "Like I told you and everypony the night will last forever. Now be gone!" Granny Smith was simply escorted out. If one had good ears they would hear her crying outside knowing she was losing two of the greatest things in her life. Throughout the next hours many ponies, mostly gardeners, farmers, even diplomats had the same issue. A need for sunlight, but they were all met with the same answer in the form of the Royal Canterlot voice. Nightmare just sighed in frustration. Surely these ponies can forget about their problems and learn to love the beauty of her night could they? She wished those mages she hired could cultivate a plan for the crop problem soon. The complaining farmers were starting to annoy her. ========== Meanwhile in the castle of the two sisters, six mares huddle together in a cell. The night was cold and despite them knowing each other for a short time. They knew they had to trust each other. Little did they know they were being watched. Outside a tall creature rose from the ground. It may not have eyes but it could see the sadness in those ponies. It had a purpose in this world unlike any other. It turned towards Ponyville and slowly made it's approach. > The warning of the night part 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nightmare Moon sat on the balcony overlooking Canterlot. She wished the ponies were looking up to the night but she either saw ponies hiding in thier homes or fighting for food in the streets. She sighed knowing things were starting to get bad. Not only were food prices going up, but the eternal night was affecting ponies in a different way. Some have developed erratic sleeping schedules while many more are suffering insomnia. All they could do was either steal food to save their bits or at least try and make the best out of a bad situation. Just then a guard came on to the balcony. “Your Majesty there’s another citizen requesting your presence.” Nightmare just groaned in anger. “If it’s another farmer begging for the sun then-“ The guard cut her off. “No it’s not a farmer in facts it’s a Zebra from Ponyville. She says something about a monster on the outskirts of Ponyville lurking about.” ========== "What is exactly is this monster?" Nightmare moon sat in the townhall. Before her was Mayor mare and Zecora. Many ponies feared Zecora for being different but eventually many have come to trust her for some reason, especially during trying times. Zecora pulled out a picture. "A friend I was hiking with got a good look and got a picture of this creature that is causing a spook." Nightmare Moon just stared at this tall thing with awe and confusion. "What manner of beast is this?" "We're not sure. We were hoping you know since you must've been around long ago to know this." The Mayor answered. Zecora spoke up again. "I saw this beast tear up a timberwolf like it was a twig and even saw it made a manticore squeal like a pig. For it to do so much harm I fear it may do more damages to the apple farm." The moment she said farm Nightmare knew it would lead to even more complaints. "What else do you know about this monster?" "We know its capable of making strange sounds. It almost sounds like a barely functioning record player. However it sometimes makes voices that sound like different ponies we know. Heck it made a voice that sounded like Pinkie pie one of the ponies that disappeared. It actually tricked two civilians to follow it. They barely made it out alive and are in the hospital." The Mayor explained. Nightmare moon raised a brow. "That thing tried to kill them. The ponies names were Lyra and Bonbon." Nightmare moon nodded to the two ponies. "Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I shall talk to the two surviving witnesses, forward what you said to me to Canterlot and hopefully my researchers will determine what it is." ========== "What do you mean it spared you? Surely it was intentional trying to eat you wasn't it?" Nightmare Moon was at a loss for words as the two mares explained to her. Lyra looked at her with sadness in her eyes. she wished she could hide from her but she was bound by a cast on her leg. Her best friend Bonbon was a different story. Her entire body was casted and she had to eat everything through a straw. "Well you see, we were walking along when I thought I heard the voice of my old friend Twilight Sparkle. I thought she was coming out of the forest. But it turns out it was that thing Zecora was trying to warn us about." Nightmare grunted in annoyance at the name Twilight. "And what happened next?" "The thing ambushed us it grabbed Bonbon by the tail and threw her against the trees. Then it grabbed me by the leg as I tried to escape. It bought me up to it's head or heads whatever they were. Then I heard a faint gruff voice that said 'not her' and then it dropped me. I know it has no eyes but I could feel it's gaze as it looked down at me. It then left after what felt like a minute" "Then it's after someone. Thank you dear subject." She turned to leave until Lyra spoke up again. "I saw it looked to the moon. I think it wants you." "Then it won't stand a chance against me." She left leaving the two mares alone. Bonbon could only stare at the ceiling as only one thought entered her head. 'It does want her.' > The warning of the night Part 3 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nightmare Moon soared through the sky above the Everfree forest. The calming sound of the wind and the crickets certainly felt better than the complaining and fighting ponies. She knew it would only be a matter of time before she finds the tall creature. If that picture was accurate then it cant be hard to miss. One question did stick out in her mind suddenly. If that thing could mimic the voices of ponies the citizens knew, would that mean the creature visited the castle and attacked her prisoners? She immediatly flew there only to find the wall in the dungeon was destroyed by something powerful and the cell was empty. If that thing attacked the six mares then that would mean she wont have to worry about them again. She continued flying until she finnaly heard a voice in the distance "He he he come on lets play hide and seek." Nightmare turned to the source and immediately charged towards it. The voice was unmistakably the pink party pony. The one who giggled at her scary looking trees. But as she got closer she couldn't find any trace of anypony or even the monster. It would be soon that she hears another voice in the distance. "YEEEE HAAWWW" She flew in the direction of that holler. All that she found at the source was nothing but a destroyed tree and a footprint. The print didn't look like anything she seen. It had to be from the monster. "Where are you coward? Show yourself to the ruler of the night!" "Darling you look smashing." That voice led her to a river where she found the remains of a destroyed timberwolf. "When I find you and my prisoners, you'll be begging for my mercy!" "I can clear this in ten seconds flat." The voice of the loyal pegasus spoke. It sounded closer than any other voice. Nightmare flew above the trees but found nothing in the air. All she could do was growl in anger. It's like they were playing games with her. "There's always peace to be found out here with the woodland critters." Another voice said. This one was barely noticeable and sounded timid but nightmare still followed it to a clearing on a hill. "WHERE ARE YOU?!" She screamed at the sky. "Right behind you..." It sounded like Twilight Sparkle but as soon as she turned she saw it. A figure tall and slender like trees. Its tall height standing higher than the trees on thin legs. Its chest looking like a ribcage wrapped in skin. But the scariest part was it's two heads looking like air raid sirens with teeth. Nightmare soon shook off the shock and blasted a beam at it. "Got you!" The victory was short lived as the smoke cleared to reveal the creature hasn't been hurt. Before she could do anything else the creature then emitted a sound unlike anything Equestria has ever heard. A loud, ear piercing, howling noise came out. Nightmare immediately covered her ears but she could still feel her ear drums were about to burst. She immediately flew away. When she got to a safe distance the ringing in her ears stopped and she could hear the footsteps of the monster. She peered out from behind a tree and saw it wandering. It then started speaking in a voice it didn't recognize. "This is not a test... eternal night has fallen on this side of the planet... all residents please ensure you have food, water, and plenty of fire wood for the duration of the event." It then made small howling sounds in shorter sequences as it continued to wander. "Duration? He thinks this will be short? No, it will be forever." She then conjured up a forcefield around her head to protect her self against the noise. She then flew up and attempted to attack the monster a second time. She managed to strike it in the back making it stumbled before suddenly turning to grab her. It missed her by a few inches but a second swipe of its claw managed to grab her as she hovered. It surprised her so much the forcefield around her head popped like a bubble. It lifted her up to its head. Nightmare stared deep into it. While still having no eyes she could feel the creature staring into her soul. She charged her horn ready to fire another beam of magic when the monster made another sound. The voice of another pony she could recognize. ”We were meant to rule together sister.” Nightmare’s horn flickered off as he stared at the siren head in shock. The voice was unmistakable. “Celestia? No it’s impossible! You’re in league with her?!” The monster shook its head No as it threw her to the ground hard. Nightmare tried to conjure another forcefield but she struck the ground so hard on her head, the force to it practically dampened her magic. All she could do was stare at the monster as it loomed over her and made another loud noise that echoed through the night. =========== Princess Celestia woke up in an almost familiar room. She took in her surroundings as memories came back to her. “My old castle? How did I end up here?” She wandered the castle taking a mental note of how much the place has degraded since she left. As she wandered closer to the exit she could hear the sounds of ponies running. She then saw her faithful student and her new friends at the door. “Princess Celestia! You’re alive!” The two ran and hugged each other. Celestia had a small tear run down her cheek. The pony she came to consider a daughter to her was still alive and not at the mercy of her sister. Speaking of which, if they were all here then did they find the elements of harmony? “Twilight how did you free me?” “We didn’t we heard your voice and started running back here.” Celestia looked at her confused. “Twilight I just woke up in my old bedroom and I didn’t even yell.” Now it was her student’s turn to look confused then realized what might’ve happened. “Twilight what exactly happened when I disappeared.” “Me and my new friends here came here to find the elements but Nightmare moon beat us to it. She trapped us and locked us in a cell. We were stuck for a few days until the walls collapsed and some tall monster walked away. We couldn’t return to the town because the bridge was gone and Rainbow dash and Fluttershy were too weak to fly from not eating.” Twilight explained. It was then Celestia realized her subjects looked malnourished and the night was still here. She then lowered the moon and raised the sun. Celestia could’ve sworn when the sun raised she could hear the distant cheering of ponies all over the world. She then teleported away only to come back with fruits that still looked fresh. The ponies didn’t need permission to eat. Celestia looked on into the forest. She knew this wasn’t over. “Stay here my student. I’ll be back.” After a few minutes of flying Celestia found something, or rather, somepony on the ground. She could only stare at the pony that was once nightmare moon now her own sister. She looked badly injured and in a catatonic state, staring into the distance. Celestia sighed as she carefully picked up her sister with her magic. This was going to be a long recovery for her nation and her subjects. As she left, the siren head watched as she flew away. It would’ve thought the job was done but he looked at the five stones in its claws. The task is almost done. > The warning of the night Epilogue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight Sparkle tucked Spike into bed and smiled. It had been a long busy day. After she and her friends returned everyone was running around like mad trying to get life back to normal. Applejack knew she couldn’t rest when she still had a farm to run even though Granny Smith insisted she get some rest. The events were still settling into her memory to her it all looked unbelievable. None of the books she read could give her a clue about the creature dubbed Siren Head. Even if she traveled back in time to meet the earliest mentor of Celestia. She had a feeling even he couldn’t answer her question. After some negotiating it was decided for her to stay in Ponyville because Princess Celestia wanted her to make friends and she has them. As of now she couldn’t be more at peace. She was about to get ready for bed herself when there was a knock at the door. She went up only to find no one there but five stones. “The elements of Harmony?” She looked around only to see a tall figure in the night disappearing into the darkness. The Siren Head only said one thing as it got further away from the library. “Now it’s your turn. Be the heroes. The answer is in yourself.” She could only mutter a small thank you as she picked up the stones and bought them inside. She may have another mystery to solve but she knows she’s not alone to do it. ======= “The injuries to her bones may heal in time, but it’s a possibility she won’t hear again or at the very least not hear much. However I’m more concerned about her mental state. She’s been in that catatonic state ever since you admitted her. I’m sorry your majesty, there’s not much more I can do at this time.” Celestia nodded in understanding as the doctor left her alone with her sister. She can’t condone what that monster has done but she can reluctantly agree what he did was necessary since there was no hope left. She looked at her sister who was still staring straight at nothing. She placed a hoof on her’s. “It can’t harm you anymore. Don’t worry I won’t leave you alone again. Ever…” Somehow, if one had good eyes, Luna’s mouth nearly curled upward a little bit. It was almost like a smile. ========= Fluttershy was flying above the tree line with a basket of fruit. It had been a few days since her first adventure with her new friends and she never been happier. Because of them she’s more confident to fly over the Everfree to visit another friend and not just Zecora. She then landed in front of a cave and dropped off the basket. “Here you are. Fresh from the farms. I know you prefer to come out when necessary but until then I’ll keep visiting you. Besides no matter what you are. Every creature needs a friend.” As she spoke a claw reached out the darkness of the cave and grabbed the basket. If there was a light in the cave she could see the creature smiling as it ate, appreciating the gift of both food and her company. Above the cave a hooded figure watch as it opened a portal behind him and started walking through it. “Darkness is not forever. There is always a light that shines even in the most dire of times.” > Discord: Invincible and unkillable Part 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discord sat on his throne overlooking the bizarre madness he created. That being his own utopia of chaos which was once Ponyville. Chocolate milk rained down from pink clouds, long legged rabbits raced across the ground in herds, chucks of ground were floating, and many ponies were either taking shelter or have been affected by the chaos both physically and mentally. He looked back and thought how easy it was to turn those six mares against each other. If only he hadn’t told them that riddle that lured them to the maze. Now they all hate each other and are gray in color. He sighed as he saw a stallion run out of his house. He snapped his finger and that stallion soon found himself in a hole filled with sticky chewed bubblegum. As the stallion struggled to get out, Discord just laughed hysterically as he only got more covered up in the gum. “As much as I love all of this, I could use some more amusement. Maybe I can gather many ponies to participate in a series of torturous games. Maybe a new version of red light, green light.” The thought of a new challenge almost excited him. He could use something new around here like a new kind of prank on the unsuspecting pony or maybe a challenger to fight. If only Princess Celestia was here for that and not hiding in her castle. ========= “Stop sending letters through Spike. You’ll make him choke or something. It's over, friendship is nothing more but a dumb joke.” -Twilight Sparkle Princess Celestia stared at the letter in both sadness and disappointment. She didn’t expect her student to give up even with her assistance. Maybe she should’ve helped more instead of staying in the castle controlling the frightened mobs. She could only sigh and ponder where her student is now. Either she managed to hitch a train or chariot ride to Canterlot or she’s living amongst the chaos. At that moment an earth pony mare entered the throne room. She was wearing a suit, tie, and sunglasses. Ponies called her Bonbon but a few ponies know her as agent Sweetie Drops. After bowing she looked up to her. “Your majesty we have reason to believe it has happened. Your so called Element of Harmony defense failed.” “And how did you know about this agent?” “You forgot I now live in Ponyville and the way you were sending letters to that dragon, I thought that he had stomach flu or something. I managed to sneak out of there with the help of my team. Look I know you want to solve problems with this magic of friendship thing but for once it failed.” Celestia sighed she wished she could rely more on her student to deal with any threat ever since her Sister’s return. But now she has no choice but to once again rely on a secret foundation she worked so hard to keep secret. “What is your idea?” “We got to fight fire with fire.” She tossed over a file labeled 682. Celestia read it through, her face growing concerned. “You absolutely sure this is for the best? This monster caused a lot of damage in Kludgetown. We were lucky to have caught it while your team was there on business.” Sweetie Drops smiled. “Not to worry, he’s been pretty tamed especially since he befriended a little filly, who is also an anomaly herself.” Celestia glanced out and could see Ponyville engulfed in chaos. She didn’t want to go through with whatever her agency is doing but she had no choice. Not even with the combined power of herself and Luna could help. “Very well the Foundation has my permission. Just make sure he doesn’t harm anypony.” “Don’t worry I guarantee he’s going to take care of all your problems.” ========== A while later a black train with a strange symbol on the front and a couple large boxcars, also with that symbol, slowly approached the outskirts of Ponyville. Inside one these cars, was a beast that was ready to strike and he was hungry. As the doors to his car opened he looked at a filly that has rode with him the whole way. She looked worried but the reptilian like monster looked at her and spoke with a low groggy voice. “Don’t worry my friend. I’ll be back. I promise.” > Invincible and unkillable Part 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discord just strolled around town taking in his own chaotic sights and causing mischief. He saw an earth pony mare running in the distance. He reached her with a very long stretch of his arm and dragged her close. The mare looked at him in fear. Discord looked at her. “Hey I remember you. You’re that school teacher who bought those ponies to my part of the garden. How about I give you a lesson to bring to your students?” Cheerilee squirmed in his grasp until she felt her head being kept still with his other claw. “Too much pride can inflate one’s ego and you do such a good job as a teacher.” "Oh well that's nice of you but mmph-" He then blew into her mouth causing her body to inflate like a balloon. He soon stopped after she resembled a sphere with hooves, a head, and tail sticking out. He laughed as he grabbed her tale and started towing her around like a child with a balloon at a carnival, he even spawned a lollipop for added effect. “And having too much might lead to you having an inflated opinion of yourself.” “The creature of chaos, we meet at last.” Discord perked up at the sound of the voice. He looked around and then noticed a giant reptile with a skull like head with hair and a body that nearly resembled an alligator. After staring at it he began to laugh. “And just what are you suppose to be? Some lizard who came from a parlor in a swamp?” “No just someone who has an ultimatum for you. Restore this place and leave in peace or stay and face your demise.” Discord just stared before laughing again. “Oh ho ho that just rich. Do you really think you can take me out single handedly?” Then everything happened at once. The spirit of chaos was met with a tail slap that send him flying. Cheerilee was let go and started floating upwards but was soon caught by two Pegasi in black uniforms and taken away. The monster then ran in the direction discord went. One of the Pegasi watched as it left in pursuit of Discord. “Go get him 682.” Discord went flying and crashed into a floating house. He emerged from the hole looking surprised and annoyed. "Cheap shot. Lets see how he likes it." He then snapped his fingers and conjured up a carrot. He then pulled leaf and stem and threw it at the running monster like a grenade. In fact thats what it was. "You think a vegetable can stop me-" BOOM! "Ha ha boom goes the weasel!" Sang Discord. "I am a reptile not a mammal." Discord smile immediately went away as he saw that the monster had barely a scratch on him. He then roared and charged again. Discord then teleported behind him and bashed him from behind with a pink locomotive only to see it not damage the reptile but left a very huge imprint of it's back on the locomotive's metal body. The monster didnt turn only it swatted him with its tale again sending him once again flying in a direction. "This guy is tough. I'll give him that." said Discord before he crashed into the ground. He slowly got up and saw what looked like a train near the edge of town. Some ponies saw him and pulled out odd looking weapons. “Claws up Discord!” “Nope” and with a snap of his claws the weapons became either confetti, snakes, or just burst into flames. Amidst the madness he saw a filly wearing a yellow dress watching the scene in fear and asked one question “Where’s Lizzy?” ====== SCP-682 charged towards the train. He hoped his Allies would’ve either caught him or at least distracted him. But when he arrived he saw the ponies in black either panicking or on the ground injured being tended to by medics. Soon agent Sweetie Drops raced up to him. “682 we got a problem 053 is missing.” The reptile was now in shock. “Wait what? Where did she go?!” “You mean your little pony?” Everyone looked to see Discord holding the filly by the back of her neck while hovering in midair. The filly looked frightened. “NO! Put her down!” “Oh please like I would take orders from a mere lizard. Catch me if you can!” His legs became what looked like wheels and he dashed away. 682 was now growling with the rage of a lion. “That’s it now it’s personal.” He then raced off once again in hot pursuit. One medic simply looked to a scientist he was examining. “Will Discord be affected by 053’s effect?” The scientists shrugged, “I doubt it considering both 682 and Discord are practically immortal beings and 682 never attempted to harm her despite always being in close proximity to her. Either way the spirit of chaos won’t last long with both of them.” > Invincible and unkillable Part 3 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discord gained a very good distance from the the reptile he then stopped and glanced at his hostage. "Now whats a filly like you doing with those strange looking ponies and what can you tell me about your lizard friend?" The little filly stared at him before she answered. "I'm not suppose to tell anyone. The grown ups say me and my friends are special secrets." "Secrets? Friends? There are more of you?" Before the pony could answer 682 suddenly arrived and stopped his teeth baring and steam was coming out of his nostrils. "Let. Her. Go. Or you'll be sorry in more ways than one." "Oh but that's no fun, how about you tell me what makes this little girl and you so special?" "Hurt her and you'll find out..." Discord used his other claw which started to emit electricity. "If you insist..." But as his electrifying claw was about to make contact with her body it stopped only for Discord to suddenly feel something in his chest. He then dropped the filly who managed to be caught by her friends maw. Discord was soon on the ground clutching his chest in pain. "What is this? What's happening? What did she do to me?!" The filly ran and climbed on to 682's back. "She didn't do anything. She didn't have to. What you experienced was what happens to anyone who threatens her. So Discord you have your options, restore or there will be even bigger consequences." "Over my dead mismatched body" he grunted as he still clutched his chest. "That can be arranged." He said as he then roared in his face. All discord could do was look at his teeth in fear. ============== Meanwhile outside of town the injured soldiers and scientists were still being tended to but then suddenly they saw a bright flash that began to consume Ponyville. Within seconds it dies to reveal Ponyville back to normal along with the clouds back to being white and fluffy. The soldiers in black wasted no time in charging into town. Agent Sweetie drops followed behind with a box. They soon arrived in the town square to a sight. There was Discord lying on his back with what looked like multiple bite marks and claw marks all over his body. One of his horns was snapped off and one of his wings lost all it's feathers. He was a quivering scared wreck. The soldiers wasted no time tranquilizing him and making sure he was taken away. SCPs 682 and 053 were nearby. Sweetie Drops approached them and placed the box in front of 053. "Here you go sweetheart your other friends want to see you're ok." Out of the box came a little colorful teddy bear with heart shaped patch on him as well as a wooden toy train that moved by itself. The little filly giggled as she began playing with them. The bear climbed on her back and rode her as she chased the little train. Sweetie Drops then turned to the hard to kill reptile. "Amazing work out here. I knew it was a wise decision to use you." "The child helped weaken him a little. What happens now?” "I managed to strike up a deal. If all goes well, we'll consider giving you a place of your own to stay outside the facility. Particularly a swamp within the Everfree Forest. And don't worry we'll organize trips for 053 to come and visit." Explained Sweetie. The beast nodded in understanding as the soldiers took Discord's unconscious body away in chains. Just then six mares walked up. "What is going on here? What happened to Discord? And what in Celestia's name is that?" asked Twilight pointing to 682. Sweetie Drops pulled out a device. 682 just closed his eyes in anticipation. The filly and the toys were already far enough. A bright flash came and the six mares were in some sort of trance. Agent sweetie drops cleared her throat. "You managed to subdue Discord with the elements however he was taken away to a place where his petrified form will never be free again. Equestria is forever grateful." The mares were still in a trance as 682 cleared out of the area and back to the outskirts of town. Agent Sweetie Drops followed taking notice of the other agents giving anesthetics to other ponies who saw the fight. What happened here may have been chaotic but some secrets are still meant to be kept. For now at least. > Invincible and unkillable Epilogue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Canterlot Castle was having a huge celebration to honor the heroes who defeated Discord. The whole world thought the deed was done by Twilight Sparkle and her friends who found the elements of Harmony and fought Discord’s mind tricks and manipulation. But to some, those events weren’t entirely true. Princess Celestia strolled up to Twilight Sparkle who was at a table having a cup of tea. Her face didn't look excited as the others. “My student, why so glum? You saved the world from chaos.” Twilight Sparkle was silent for a moment before she looked up to her mentor. “That’s the thing. I felt like I didn’t do anything. The only thing I remember was walking out of town and seeing Rainbow Dash napping on a cloud. Everything else is a complete blur. But one of my neighbors claimed they saw our fight.” Celestia just looked at her student and smiled. “I guess the use of the elements can have an amnesia effect in some way.” Twilight nodded in agreement but still wasn’t fully convinced. Maybe one day she will remember what exactly happened. But Princess Celestia knows what exactly happened. She could only hope Twilight doesn't dig too deep into this. ========== Discord awoke in a room. The first thing he noticed was that he felt bound. He looked down and saw himself strapped to some metal gurney. His claws were trapped in some sort of rigid gauntlet. He couldn’t move his fingers. His tail was also in a similar state. He began to struggle only for his efforts to become fruitless. Across the room a set of metal doors opened and in came some ponies in black suits. Discord stopped struggling as he looked at them. He didn’t know who these ponies were, but all that he knew was that they were not looking for a pleasant conversation. “Who are you ponies?” “That is not to be discussed at this time. What’s more important now is your full cooperation. According to historians, you were quite a menace some wanted you to be destroyed, but not to fear we are not monsters we just contain them.” Explained one of them. “If you think I’m listening to you little ponies you’re mistaken.” “Don’t make this harder. Or rather save the insults until you meet our other associates.” At that moment another anomaly entered. It looked like some bipedal creature wearing what looked like a bird-beak-like mask. It had a tag that said 049 on its long hooded cloak. It was carrying a small bag with him. “Doctor we expect a full report in the coming days. Just don’t kill him or turn him into a mindless drone.” The plague doctor from Klugetown nodded. ”I will leave no fiber or trace of chaos magic unexamined.” The other ponies left until it was just the spirit of chaos and the plague doctor, the former looking scared knowing this was not going in a direction he liked. The plague doctor reached into his bag and pulled out a syringe and a scalpel. “Hold still this will be more painful if you move.” Discord did the opposite and struggled in fear and all throughout the facility a scream of pain and agony could be heard from a monster who was now going to experience chaos on a whole different scale. ======== “Welcome back students today we have a new student joining us today.” Cheerilee gestures to the little filly wearing a yellow dress standing beside her with a smile. “Why don’t you introduce yourself?” “Hello I’m Abstract Heart but everypony calls me Abby. My auntie runs a candy shop.” “You mean you’re related to Miss Bonbon?” Asked Scootaloo. Abby, who was known as 053 to the Foundation, nodded. Ever since the Discord incident, she has gained better control over the effects she has and was suited for school. She was happy living within Ponyville. Not only has Agent Sweetie Drops, her first friend, took guardianship of her but she’s also a hike away from her best friend in the swamp. This was also a good opportunity for her to make new friends amongst other ponies outside of foundation care. Of course, she was sworn to secrecy which she accepted. While she may have been wearing a dress. Cheerilee could see she had no cutie mark yet. She could already tell who her first three friends would be. ====== A Hydra limped away from a swamp feeling wounded and fatigued from the battle it endured. Not too far away SCP 682 grinned triumphantly as he reclaimed his sanctuary. He knew it also won't be long until Abby would come to visit and possibly bring some interesting stories to share. Of course, he was still being closely watched and observed by the scientist from a safe distance. This may not have been the life or freedom he wanted but still it was better than concrete walls and a metal door and he was content. A hooded figure stood near the swamp far away from the reptile and opened a portal to walk through. "Too much chaos would only lead to a collapsing world where one's own mess would be thrown back at him. That's why karma exists." > Flim and Flam: Family Value Part 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Applejack awoke in her room with a groan. She looked out the window hoping to see the trees she’s grown up with. But sadly outside the window was the bustling street of Ponyville. It had been a few weeks since she and her family lost the farm to the Flim Flam brothers. Her family had to move into a house in town. It was thanks to the combined efforts of their friends that they were able to have a house at all. Big Mac eventually got a new job working on the railroad. Applebloom was sad about her home but her friends and teacher were there for her, even Diamond Tiara stopped messing with her. Applejack went downstairs to find Grannysmith sipping at a cup of tea in the kitchen. Winona was sleeping in a dog bed but perked up as Applejack came in. “Morning Darlin.” Said the elderly mare with a smile. “Morning.” She sadly said as she poured herself some coffee. “What are you doing today child?” Asked granny. “Going out for a stroll and hoping to send another letter to Princess Celestia.” “Darling you know what she said the last few times. Despite her being royalty there are certain rules she can’t touch like how a buisness can obtain land.” “And it’s darn horseapples!” Snapped Applejack. ======== After all that Applejack decided to stroll through town. Every pony felt sorry for her and her family. They mostly blamed themselves for being demanding and impatient of the family cider. Even Rainbow Dash felt bad for how she always felt. Pinkie pie felt especially bad for hogging more mugs than anypony, she felt that was the reason for the attitude of everypony and swore next time cider season comes and the family has the farm back she would cut down to one mug. If there will even be a next time for the family. After Applejack visited the library she passed by the school. It was recess and she saw her sister playing with the other students. She smiled upon seeing her sister in high spirits despite everything. She left before anypony could notice her. But being unnoticed was short lived. “Sis where you going?” Applejack turned to see her sister at the school fence. “Just out for a stroll Bloom go play with your friends.” “You’re not going to the farm aren’t you?” “Bloom please just let me handle this my own way.” She said without looking at her. “Ok…” Applebloom just trotted back to her classmates. It would be another few minutes before she would see the familiar sight of her trees and a wooden fence. Instead she saw a barbed wire fence and less trees than usual. “What in the…” Suddenly Applejack eyes widened in realization. “No they didn’t!” She ran until she reached the main gate entrance which had brick and metal gate. She looked up and read the big sign. Flim and Flam industries: cider distribution and lumber. “No no no, Celesta please no!” She tried to look through the gate and her worst fears were realized. There in the distance next to the barn were organized stacks of logs and lumber. She recognized the texture and size being from the same trees she harvested from. A few tears went down her face, she then screamed in rage and ran off into the distance. On the farm the two new owners stepped outside. “You hear something brother?” “No Flim must’ve been your imagination. Wait a minute we had four loads of Timber we now have three what happened to that fourth load?” Flim looked to see what his brother was talking about and saw the lumber that was recently sawed by his employees was missing a load. “How peculiar maybe our staff already delivered it to the train station.” “Without paying? The customer is suppose to deliver the money first.” Somewhere further away from the building complex of what was once the sweet apple acres barn. A strange creature made of wood stood tall amongst the trees. It watched an orange pony run away. It let out a slight groan sound and its window like eyes made a sad look gesture. It turned to the buildings of the farm. One of them being some metal machine that made cider. It then let out a chirp as it got up on spider like legs. > Family Value Part 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Apple Family was enjoying a nice dinner. Big Macintosh has came home after a long trip from Ponyville to Manehattan and back. It was a moment like this where Applejack felt more at ease that she still has her family. As Big Mac talked about his time on the railroad there was a knock at the door. “I’ll get it.” Applejack looked through the peephole of the door to see a rather annoyed and furious Flim and Flam. Applejack was confused she was expecting them to come and gloat if they ever visited. She hesitantly opened the door. “What do you varmits want now? You already took our home!” “We want answers into how you could slip past our best security and destroy our mega cider machine.” Snapped Flim. “You most likely recruited the help of your Pegasi friends.” Suggested Flam “Or probably convinced that unicorn friend to teleport you there.” “Or maybe you-“ They were both cut off by Applejack. “Hang on an apple picking minute. I did no such thing. I may hate what you guys did, but we don’t resort to such tactics.” The three ponies only intensely stared at each other for a few moments when Flim broke the silence. “Step carefully mare we are watching you and for that we’ll upgrade our security.” “And if we do catch you we will punish you to the full extent of the law.” They both left leaving Applejack in a mixture of different emotions. Anger, confusion, as well as a small feeling of pleasure knowing something has gone wrong with their machines. Even though it wasn’t her doing. ======= A lone stallion was walking through the orchard. He was hired to keep a close eye out for any unwanted guest on the land. He was making good progress until he heard an odd sound. It sounded like a very strange bird. He tried to follow the sound only for it to go in a different direction. After going around for what felt like hours he soon came to a clearing. There out in the open were small cabins. They had two windows and a door in front. “What the... where did these come from?” The brothers arrived a while later after the worker reported this and just looked at the log cabins that stood there in the open. They knew they weren't there originally because they removed the trees that once filled this area. "You think this where our missing chopped wood went?" "Has to be. Whoever did this maybe on to something. Maybe we can loan these houses for ponies to rent." "Maybe we can use these to expand production, like research labs." "I like that idea." As the two went on about what to do with these houses, a rat came close to one one of these houses. As it got close a root-like vine grabbed the rodent and dragged it underground before it could make a sound. ========= The next day Applebloom was trotting home. Since she could no longer go to her clubhouse, her friends agreed to have their crusader meetings at Sweetie Belle’s house. She was close to the house when she heard a strange noise coming from a nearby alleyway. She looked around and immediately felt nervous. She was the only one out and was alone. She nervously glanced towards the alleyway and saw a pair of square glowing eyes staring back at her. The eyes quickly hid behind a garbage can. Apple Bloom was startled by those eyes but curiosity took over and cautiously walked over to the alleyway and peered behind the trashcan. Her eyes widened at what she was looking at. There stood an odd creature. At first glance it looked like a dollhouse but right beneath it was what looked like a thick tree branch sticking out of the underside which led to a series of legs almost resembling those in a spider. “What in the hay are you?” The little creature stared up at the filly. If it was standing it would match her height. However instead of standing it shivered in fright, as if it was afraid of her. Apple Bloom recognized the body language. "Don't be scared I'm not gonna hurt you." The little creature seems to have understood her. As it looked up at her extended hoof and inched it's house shaped head towards it. It then leaned into it almost affectionately. Apple Bloom has built an tolerance for fear of any weird creature due to all her visits to Zecora in the forest. Whatever this creature was didn't seem to scare her. "Come on little one I think I may know somepony who can help me better understand what you are." The House head stood up and began following the filly into the streets of Ponyville. As they walked Apple Bloom could've sworn her new little acquaintance not only smelled of oak wood but also smelled a little of apples. > Family Value Part 3 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “I’m telling you ladies. You all have to be responsible for what’s going down on our property!” The library was quite a scene. The local six heroes of Ponyville were gathering to hang out but for some reason, the Flim Flam brothers decided to visit after something happened. They both awoke to find many wagons of construction material and freshly made cider from the once repaired cider machine destroyed by something destructive. “And I keep telling you two we would never resort to such methods.” Said Applejack. “Well when you think about it, it kinda serves you right for taking a family’s land.” Smirked Rainbow Dash, earning a sharp glare from the brothers. Twilight Sparkle raised a hoof silencing everypony. “Listen you two I’ve been helping you investigate this matter and I can assure you none of my friends are the ones behind it. Because the damages I’d seen couldn’t be caused by a pony our size. Who ever did this had to have the strength of a full grown dragon or at least a group of Minotaurs.” Before the brothers can say anything else the doors opened and a certain filly entered. “Hey guys look what I’ve found.” Flam rolled his eyes from being interrupted. “We’re busy you little- Ah! What is that!?” Applebloom sat at the entrance cradling the little creature in her forelegs like a foal. The creature was sound asleep. Everypony looked towards the strange creature and many cautiously gathered around it. Applejack broke the silence “Applebloom what is this and where did you find it?” “Found it near our house in an alleyway. It was scared but I managed to earn its trust can I keep it?” “Oh my. I’ve never seen anything like this before. Looks like some kind of arachnid.” Said Fluttershy. “Hey, it’s head nearly looks like those cabins that appeared in the fields.” Said Flim realizing something. “Therefore it must be our property.” Said Flam. Twilight got in front if them before they got close to Applebloom. “Hold on you two we don’t know what this thing is. Wait did you say there are cabins that look like this thing?” The creature stirred awake and looked around in curiosity. It looked to the mares seemingly fascinated. Then it spotted the two stallions. That’s when something changed and everything happened at once. The yellow window eyes became red, it made a screeching sound, it leaped out of the filly’s hold and charged at the two like a spider on an attack. It then leaped into the air and lashed on to Flam. “AAHHH! GET IT OFF! GET IT OFF!” Flam was so startled he just ran around and bashed himself against the bookshelves trying to get his attacker off. Soon Twilight was able to catch the creature with her magic and managed to pry it off his face. Flam’s Mustache was removed and he had multiple scratches and splinters on his face. Everypony was shocked at this, even Applejack but a small part of her actually found this amusing. The creature was soon put in a cage where it basically just thrashed around trying to get out. Twilight managed to get a sample of the wood and examined it. She returned to the others from her lab basement. “I managed to examine the wood and it clearly matches that of an apple tree.” Applejack perked up. “You mean it came from the orchard?” “We’re not sure but if anything-“ “Wait a minute! If what you say is true and that thing resembles the cabins then that means…” Within a moment everypony came racing out of the library and straight to the once family owned acres. Along the way they saw a stallion running pass them in the opposite direction. “RUN! HELP! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!” Soon more ponies came running as they got closer to the farm. Some of them looked injured. And as they approached the entrance they could hear the sounds of buildings getting destroyed. They charged through the gate and there they saw them. Tall wooden house head creatures destroying the buildings owned by the brothers. Flim and Flam were mortified. “Our industry!” That yell somehow got the attention of the house heads. They all stopped and turned towards the group then they charged towards them only for them to stop and for one of them to grab the two stallions with a branch-like vine. The two were immediately hoisted in the air. They were panicking and yelling for help. Twilight charged her horn but then felt a hoof on her back he then turned to see Applejack giving her a stern look. "No I think I know what should be done and it's for the best." "Applejack are you mad?! Sure they've taken your home but they don't deserve to die!" "Wait for it..." Meanwhile in the air the Househeads were examining their pray and soon one of them opened it's door which inside revealed sharp-mashing teeth. The two were now scared and could only squirm as they were bought closer to the door which was a mouth. "WE"LL LEAVE!" The movement then stopped then the two were dropped to the ground. Despite the hard fall, they ran away screaming. Applejack watched them run away before turning to the tall creatures with a smile. One of them knelt down closer to the orange mare who began patting its wooden frame. "Heh you make mama proud." Rainbow Dash watched the scene with a raised brow before speaking. "Ok I have too many questions but I think I should ask aren't you worried those two might tell Princess Celestia on you?" "Hmm... Nope" > Family Value Epilogue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "So its agreed, we give you a few cases and you sell them to whatever neighboring town you go to and we get seventy five percent of the take. Is that clear?" Applejack explained as she went over the agreement plan with the two brothers. "WHAT?! Do you have any idea how much we'll make with that kind of deal? We still need to pay our workers compensation for what happened!" exclaimed Flim. "You mean my new Ranch-hands? Don't worry I'm compensating them myself. Also if you don't like it then maybe you'd like to negotiate with my other associates." She said as he gestured to a framed picture near the door. "No no, that won't be necessary we'll take this deal and go." Said Flam as he rubbed his still bandaged face. The two did try and explain their horrifying experience to the princess but they'd soon realized nopony, not even their workers, were on their side. The idea of walking houses became a secret in Ponyville. Now with no machine or any other form of income the two had no choice but to give the farm back to the family. Big Mac would soon leave his railroad job on good terms and Applebloom wasted no time in getting her treehouse cleaned up and ready for a crusader meeting. As for the house heads nopony, save for three, never saw them again. But soon it would be four who would still see them. The brothers would leave as they slowly made their way to the train station. Their only goal now is to get away from Ponyville and hope another opportunity awaited them. ============ "Alright what's going on?" Big Mac was escorted to some part of the orchard by his family one night. "Big Mac you're about to see what truly saved mom and dad's legacy here." said Applejack. They soon got to a hill that over looked a patch of near empty land. The moon and the stars casted a glow over it. Within a few moments the sounds of the breeze and crickets became the sounds of creaks and groans and loud steps. Big Mac could only watch in utter disbelief as the tall house heads walked across the land like a wandering herd. Applebloom waved as she saw an even littler one walking along side them. Not too far away a horned hooded figure watched. "Good things come to those who wait. Bad things happen to those who take." He opened a portal behind him and walked right in. > Queen Chrysalis: Rails of a mimic Part 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Changelings soared through the air over Canterlot. The queen looked on from a balcony in delight as the first phase of her plans worked well in her favor. She smirked as she saw a noble get covered in goo as he tried to make his esacpe. She walked off and entered the dungeons where many ponies were being kept in prisoned in cocoons. She smirked as the ponies looked at her with either fear or anger. "You know this is almost too humorous for my liking. Its hard to believe only one pony was suspicious of my odd behavior and the rest of you had your heads in the clouds. I really should thank you for making this too easy, especially you Shining Armor." The captain of the guard couldn't help but feel guilty about everything. To him, she was right. He blindly followed her and kicked his sister out like she wasn't family. Princess Cadence looked to Chrysalis with rage. "You leave him out of this! You got all the love you want! What more do you want?" "What more do I want? I want it all. Soon the nation will flourish under the rule of me and my ever growing hive." She then turned to one of her guards. “Any update on using their own transport?” “We managed to convince the nation the railways are safe. A train should be here by tonight.” “Excellent if any passengers are on board imprison them and use the train to scout out any towns along the line.” She left leaving her prisoners in the barely lit dungeons. All they could do was worry about what was going on outside. However their attention turned to Twilight Sparkle. She had her back facing them and was looking down at her hooves. So many thoughts were going through her head. ========= "Ok according to this map the local heroes resign in Ponyville. We'll blend in, take on thier form and trick them into thinking everything is fine." A group of eight changelings gathered outside on the train station platform of Canterlot station. They just now needed to wait for a train to enter. Soon enough a whistle echoed and the train entered the station but something seemed off. "Hey it's early. I wasn't expecting this for another two hours." Said one changeling Another one shrugged. "Thats what i thought too. But isnt the train suppose to be either pink or black?" The locomotive was red from cab roof to wheels. The same could be said about the carriages. The doors opened and to the group’s surprise the carriages were empty of any ponies. There wasn’t even a conductor on board. One changeling went to the cab and to his surprise there was another changeling inside just, staring at the controls. “Hey how did you manage the steal this? Did anypony catch on to you?” The changeling in the engine didn’t say anything. He didn’t even turn to acknowledge the one speaking to him. He just continued to stare blankly at the controls. The other changeling just shrugged and went to join his team. “Weirdo…” After a small mission brief the team of eight got on board. The doors closed with a click and the train got moving into the night. “Any one of you know the guy up front? He’s a bit of an odd quiet one.” No one had an answer as the train continued on down the line. Meanwhile upfront in the cab. The changeling was doing nothing but if one was in the cab with him, they would see his legs were fused to the engine cab floor. An odd sound would emit from the engine. It wasn’t anything normal, if anything it sounded like an animal growling. Meanwhile in the carriage all was quiet when suddenly a dripping sound could be heard. “OW! Something hot dripped on me!” The changelings turned to their comrade. One of them examined him. “Looks like an acidic burn. Maybe we should- ow! What the? Ew what’s that smell?” All around them the carriage had a foul odor and the walls were starting to have some sort of liquid secrete down them. The changelings looked around in concern and alarm. “What kind of train is this? Is this normal?” “This is some kind of trap! We got to get out of here!” The changeling in charge soon bashed his body against a window only for it to not break. Another tried charging into the wall only for it to be met with a burning sensation. The acid was beginning to puddle and flood the floor. The changelings soon found themselves either hovering or getting on the seats. “No it can’t end like this!” One continued to throw his body at the window until finally it broke open and he was out. A strange roar was heard from the engine as the drone flew out. But the moment he looked back at the window it somehow fixed itself. It was then he saw that the entire train has changed. The wood and metal surface somehow looked more like flesh and there were eyes dotting the surface. He could’ve sworn the engine had a giant mouth at the front. After recomposing himself he took off after it only for him to lose the train as it charged into a tunnel. “I got to inform the Queen.” ======= On the other side of the tunnel was the Equestrian Post train. Its crew heard about an incident in Canterlot and was told to proceed with caution and report anything odd. However as it got to the tunnel the train stopped. The conductor was concerned and got to the front. “Hey Rapid Run why did you stop?” “I see something in the tunnel. Looks like a set of lights.” “That’s impossible we’re suppose to be the only train on this line.” Both Crew members peered out the engine and saw lights heading towards them and coming fast. Engineer Rapid Run immediately threw his engine in reverse and started moving the train backwards. As it got away they saw a giant slug like creature with glowing eyes and a giant mouth lunged out of the tunnel and roared but it didn’t chase them. Instead it retreated back into the tunnel. > Rails of a mimic Part 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Are you kidding me?!" "Afraid not sir and you know I'm a terrible liar." The Post train returned to Manehattan where it originated from. The crew immediately went to inform the company owner about what they encountered. It was morning and the nation was still feeling uneasy about Canterlot. Some tried to enter the city by chariot only for them to be either ambushed or scared away from the city. The lie about the railways being safe again were quickly dashed after all that has happened that night. Any trains bound for Canterlot were cancelled indefinitely. "Than it's safe to assume those changelings are willing to attack and sending troops from the nearest outpost to there by rail is too risky." “But that monster we saw in the tunnel. I don’t think it has anything to do with what’s going on in Canterlot. If it belonged to those things taking over the city, it would’ve tried to derail us but it didn’t even chase us.” Explained Rapid Run. The owner just stroked his chin. “Regardless it’s dangerous and until the government figures out what to do, the tracks running to Canterlot are off limits.” ========== Meanwhile Queen Chrysalis was waiting near the entrance. She was expecting the train to come back with prisoners and her team. With her was another drone who, unlike the others, didn’t really feel comfortable. If anything he didn’t want to be here and not just Canterlot. The Queen was losing patience and looked down at the drone. “Your brother Pharynx said he would be back at the crack of dawn. He’s never late on his promises. Something must’ve gone wrong.” Thorax knew this as well, he was deeply worried about the direction his kind has taken and was now more worried about his brother despite their rocky relationship. He knew he was strong and loyal but for him to disappear on a mission, especially after a victory over the capital, was concerning. "Maybe this country has a stronger military than we thought or maybe there are other heroes we don't know about." At that moment, the Queen's ears perked up at the sound of buzzing and then came a thud as Pharynx crashed on the ground in exhaustion. Immediately some changeling medics were by his side and so was the queen and brother. “Pharynx! What happened?” “Trap…train…acid…eyes.” He uttered before passing out. “He must’ve flown here himself non-stop. Whatever happened out there must be more dangerous than we can think.” Said Thorax. “Thank you captain obvious now tend to your brother and get as much information out of him. I want to know what exactly happened.” =========== “Twilight, you haven’t moved or said anything in days. Please talk to us!” While most of the prisoners were in cocoons some were out. Twilight was one of these exceptions she used this as an opportunity to not see her friends, mentor, or brother. She couldn’t even bring herself to look at them. “Come on Twilight sure, we made some pretty dumb decisions, but you can’t ignore us we haven’t lost yet.” Said Rainbow trying to get through to her. "I needed a friend and you all left me at her mercy. I needed support and you all chose a wedding over a security concern. I know I needed evidence but you all couldn't see what was really going on. What did I needed to do to convince you? Were you all not concerned about the forcefield?!" Princess Celestia lowered her head in shame from inside her prison cocoon. "Perhaps delaying the wedding until the matter was dissolved would've been for the best. But I didn't want to upset my niece." "Don't try and shift some blame on me Auntie. I would've understood and be concerned for everypony's safety and You know she captured and trapped me in those mines before Shining even put up that shield!" Snapped Cadence. "I know and I'm very sorry. I promise you all we'll get out of here, defeat the changelings and hopefully..." Her gazed turn to Twilight. "...We can heal." ============ Queen Chrysalis entered the library where a young small drone was reading through some books. "Any progress young Ocellus." The young changeling looked up from her book. "I'm at a loss your majesty. I read through all the books on Equestrian Railroad history and what Pharynx described is not in any of these books and according to the data, the railroad has only three locomotives in different colors, which are blue, black, and pink. There's never been a record of a red one." "What about it being some sort of shapeshifting worm?" "I looked through the books on rare creatures and as far as I know we are the only shapeshifting creatures on this planet. There were monsters that disguised themselves as treasure chests known as mimics, but those have been extinct for over a thousand years and they don't have many eyes or are red and fleshy as Pharynx described." "This mystery only grows deeper. I'll send a team to hunt this thing down and maybe our prisoners might know something. I don't want any more obstacles to get in my way." > Rails of a mimic Part 3 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A swarm of changelings flew through the sky over the railroad tracks. Chrysalis's best commanding officers flew with them. Whatever took those seven trapped drones they would deal with themselves. They looked and counted and they assumed they had more than enough changelings to overtake a dragon. Despite only seeing Pharynx's reaction the queen had confidence they would succeed. They soon arrived at the tunnel where the monster was last seen. On the ground outside the tunnel were what looked like marks as if a train derailed and kept rolling on the ground. There were also what looked like bones on the ground and a foul odor in the air. They all took in the surroundings. One of them examined the bones. "Confirmed, it's changeling." "Alpha team, storm the tunnel! Bravo team, be prepared to chase anything that moves out the tunnel! Delta team, fly to the other side of the mountain!" Within seconds the groups of twelve changelings took to the skies. One dozen of them flew straight into the tunnel, while a dozen more proceeded to fly around the mountain to the other side. Whatever was hiding in that tunnel it can't escape. ============ "Don't lie, I know you know something about this monster out there. It's on your railway." Chrysallis has been questioning many individuals about this monster on the tracks but nopony knows anything about it. She was now questioning Celestia and Luna. They had to have know something about this. Unfortunate for her, they didn't. "I may have approved the railroad construction plans long ago but I know nothing about what my subjects built for it. Even if I was, I wouldn't approve of what you are talking about." Luna nodded. "Agree, what you're describing is something that may come from a bad dream." "So you two continue to claim ignorance of whatever beast captured seven of my subjects and nearly trapped another?" Celestia nodded, when she saw her entered the dungeon she was expecting her to gloat but she wasn't expecting her to be questioned about a giant worm that transformed into a train. She never heard of such a thing. Not even her sister knows. Chrysalis only groaned as she felt she was getting no where with this back and fourth questioning. "Great! Now i'm at a loss and now I have to rely on my best troops to subdue this beast however they can with my help. If I find out you do know something about this monster, lets just say I'll learn how to raise the sun and moon myself with your heads as my trophies." ============= Meanwhile inside a long tunnel, a dozen changelings flew through using their horns to illuminate their way through. All they saw was the long stretch of track, the rocky walls of the tunnel and the support beams that kept the walls and ceiling stable. “Is that beast even here? It’s quiet as can be in here.” Said one changeling. “Too quiet and that’s not always a good thing.” Said another. “Hey guys I see something over there!” The swarm turned their glowing horns to a stange figure not too far. One changeling flew right towards it and started attacking what looked like a thin figure with arms sticking out. As the brave trooper attacked, his comrades noticed something as it got closer. Their excitement for finding the beast soon turned to confusion then to fear as they noticed something big and odd. “Uh Striker?” “One minute I think this guy is getting weak.” “Striker I don’t think…” “Hey let me beat this guy.” After a few more moments the brave changeling got tired. “Seriously it’s like this red bald monster doesn’t even feel my attacks.” He then noticed his fellow changelings. “What’s with you guys? Don’t you want a turn beating this weird creature?” “That’s not the monster.” “Excuse me?” “That’s not the monster. That’s it’s tongue.” Striker then looked around with his glowing horn. He then saw the creatures arms were fused to what looked like a flesh wall he then noticed its lower body was fused to the 'floor'. He then saw the rows of teeth he was behind. “Oh…” ========= Queen Chrysalis landed outside the tunnel and found the team setting up a small camp outside. All the changelings bowed at her as she approached one of her officers. “Status report.” “We sent one team into the tunnel and another to the other side whatever is in our way won’t escape us.” “Excellent how do you plan on-“ “RETREAT!!” Suddenly three changeling drones flew out the tunnel in fright. A fourth one came limping out. His wings looked broken and one of his legs looked badly injured. “Help!” The moment he yelled it, something big and red dashed out the tunnel at breakneck speed and the wounded changeling that was on the track vanished. Whether it was eaten or struck very far away wasn’t important to the queen right now. “After that monster! Don’t let it escape!” Soon all changelings were chasing it down the tracks towards Canterlot. Along the way it changed. The creature's large mouth closed and became a smoke box door. A tall smokestack emerged from it's top. Wheels emerged from it's underside and immediately started spinning on the rails. The back hardened and turned into a cab. Within moments it was just a red locomotive running fast and pumping white steam in the night sky. Despite it going fast it didn't derail on the sharp curves. Chrysalis determined to stop this monster rapidly pulled ahead of the swarm. "Pretty fast for a slug! But I'll get you!" The creature heard her and soon some acid shot out of the smokestack and nearly got the queen. She may have dodged the attack but it didn't stop her from crashing into a tree. The other drones stopped to help her. "Don't tend to me chase that thing!" The swarm soon reached Canterlot. The train yard was silent and there were derailed cars and a few bones on the ground. It had to be here somewhere. All Chrysalis knew that monster couldn't escape now. Now it was just a matter of fighting it. > Rails of a mimic Part 4 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The train yard had changelings searching while the Queen kept watch from the train station. Thorax searched the roundhouse. It was dark and had equipment of different types laying about. In the dark he heard crying and recognized it as Ocellus. He found her crying near a window and large door. "Ocellus you ok?" "No! I can't take this anymore. I was ok with how things were with just taking love from wandering creatures and farming whatever we could near our hive, but our Queen, she's now more than willing to throw us away just so she can have it all to herself. I thought she cared." Thorax hugged her tightly and rubbed her back. "It's ok my friend. I was never on board with this plan either. Tell you what I hear some of us went rogue maybe we can join them." "That's probably the best choice. You bugs have more heart than I thought." The two drones immediately paled. It wasn't their voices because it came from behind them. They turned to see a black locomotive it turned red and it's front became the mouth but it still kept most of the appearance of a simple locomotive. The two drones were petrified and thought they would be eaten immediately but it didn't. "Don't be alarmed and don't try to run." Thorax was the first to snap out of his trance. "You can speak?" "Obviously..." “Who or rather what are you?” Asked Ocellus. “I’d long forgotten my name but I’m sometimes refer to as the train eater.” “Why are you here? And why are you eating our kind?” Asked Ocellus. “I’ve been around for many years guarding the rails but I’d retire following the arrival of the heroes of harmony. When I heard what happened here, I knew someone had to do something to save the ones who laid down these rails.” “Do the ponies know you exist?” “No pony has seen me and lived to tell the tale but you changelings are the first and to be honest…” The train eater inched closer to the two. “Your kind are a lot more filling than the rodents, bugs, and pony fugitives that crawled into me.” The two began shaking in fear. “But tonight is your lucky night. I’m only in the mood for your queen as my dinner. If you value survival and peace, I suggest you leave.” The two didn’t need convincing and suddenly left in a hurry. Chrysalis noticed this and turned towards the roundhouse. If they were leaving in a hurry then they must’ve found it. But then they would’ve reported to her. So why were they leaving so fast without telling her? “Troops, storm that roundhouse!” The drones surrounded the building some began trying to break the doors and windows. A few drones bursted in and were soon face to face with the beast in the dark. Within seconds strange sounds were heard followed by the sounds of a struggle and screaming. A few moments later one of the large doors bursts open to reveal the large red worm with many eyes and a huge mouth. “ATTACK!” Within seconds the train yard of Canterlot was a war zone. Drones were either blasting, getting squashed or eaten by the train eater. Queen Chrysalis fought from the sky. To her it was surprising how this one monster was single handily defeating her troops slowly while not getting hurt. It was like it was immune to magic attacks. As the fight went on some changelings began retreating as the army continued to shrink. “Cowards the lot of you! Stay and Fight!” “It won’t do you any good to keep up this stubbornness.” Said the train eater. Chrysalis was taken aback by his voice. “So you can speak. Then how about surrendering and I’ll consider you mercy.” “No you leave and I’ll stop eating your kind.” “You think you can order me!? I’m a queen I’m unstoppable and I will rule-“ CHOMP! “LET ME OUT!” During her monologue she was so distracted she didn’t notice the lack of drones and the fact it got closer to her and was able to raise itself like a snake. “Are you willing to leave?” “Never!” Yelled the queen from inside the creature. She tried using her magic to get out but it was no use. She couldn’t even teleport out. It was now smelling foul and she used her horn to illuminate to dark place she was in. She was inside what looked like a passenger car and it was slowly filling with acid. All she could do was stare at the acid as it raised. She attempted to fly out but for some reason she couldn’t find an exit. Chrysalis was now panicking and desperate. “Let me out! Let me out!” What she didn't know was that train eater transformed back into a locomotive with a single passenger car and rolled off into the night. =============== Meanwhile below in the dungeons two guards came in and freed the ponies. "You're free your highness you no longer have to worry. The changelings are gone." To say the ponies were confused was an understatement. They just stared as they were being released from either their prison cells or cocoons. Princess Celestia looked outside to see many of her subjects working together to free themselves and repair their city. She looked to the two guards. "What happened? Did something came and defeat Chrysalis?" "We know something did happen we just don't know what. We were barely able to be free because two drones actually came and broke us out." Said one of the guards. Celestia was now more confused. Why would two drones free them? She then turned to her student, who still looked down and sad, she then looked to the other ponies who looked at Twilight with guilt. The changelings maybe gone but now they have another thing to fix. ============= Ocellus, Thorax, and Pharlynx didn't fly far from Canterlot. When they discovered their queen. Her body looked badly burnt and smelled of acid but by some miracle she was alive. Pharlynx was quickly at her side. "My Queen what happened? Did that Monster-" He was interrupted as the Queen slowly got up and raised her hoof. "Send a word out. All changeling spies within Equestria, retreat and never come back." The three drones had a look of understanding. But Thorax and Ocellus had a feeling this might be the start of something different for their kind. > Rails of a Mimic Epilogue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "You're absolutely sure about this?" "There's no question about it you're majesty. Many witnesses have confirmed this." The owner of the railroad was in the throne room explaining the strange occurrences. Ever since the changelings left, there have been rumors going around about a mysterious anomaly being seen more around train stations at night, only for it to leave when a pony gets close. Some speculated it was one of Chrysalis’s pets while many others suggested it was the reason the changelings left. “Very well until further notice have your staff keep an eye out for it. I want to know more about this and determine if it’s a threat or not.” “Of course your majesty.” As soon as the owner left a scroll appeared in front of Celestia. She immediately Opened it and began to read. Dear Princess Celestia, This week has been a struggle for me. My therapist said I should try talking more to you to slowly feel better. Don’t worry I don’t hold anything against you. Me and my friends are slowly working through our problems. Don’t get me wrong it still hurts but it won’t be forever. However my brother will be an even harder challenge to get over. Heck I nearly blasted him when I saw him in the library. It was thanks to Cadence that I didn’t hurt him. Cadence says the wedding won’t be the same without me and she’s willing to wait until things are better between us. I don’t know whether she’s doing this because she wants me to be happy at the wedding or if she’s punishing Shining. I got to go now. Rarity invited me to a spa day. I hope for once you can write more to me. -your faithful Student Twilight Sparkle Celestia smiled as she took out a scroll, quill, and ink. “Dear Twilight Sparkle…” ========= Queen Chrysalis sat on her throne with bandages on her body. It almost made her look like a mummy. She looked out to see the few changelings flying around. Her population has severely dwindled after the failed invasion. While there were many that were dead, many more have went rogue to have a better life without her rule. The only bright side to this was that there was plenty more love and food to share with her hive. She sighed as the whole ordeal felt like a humiliation. At that moment a drone flew in carrying a scroll. "Your majesty we have a letter from your former commanding officer." "Pharynx? Never thought I hear from him again." She opened and looked through it. To my Queen I regret leaving you but at the same time I cant leave my brother and his little friend to fend for themselves. We actually have been doing very well for our selves. We made friends a partnership with the pony known as Cadenza. She has offered us sanctuary and is more than willing to offer a diplomatic pardon along with negotiations that can benefit for all of us. Thorax is begging you to consider this option. As much as he didn't like what we done he still sees you as our queen. Hope you can consider this and come back with peaceful intention. And don't worry about that train monster no one has seen it since we left. -Pharynx Chrysalis had read over it a few times and pondered. She looked outside to the ground and saw the few remaining subjects who looked like they were suffering. She began writing something down and handed to the drone who came in. "Disguise yourself as a guard and take this to the Princess. I can't handle this suffering. Even if we had enough for the year it won't last." ============== Somewhere in Manehattan some police ponies were questioning station staff about some bank robbers who came through. "Sorry officer but no train has left within the past hour according to our schedule." "Alright keep yourself available let us know if you see any of these suspects." Said the police mare as she placed wanted posters in the station and left. The station master looked out towards the train yard and noticed something odd. "That's strange, I don’t remember that shed door being opened and i thought there were two passenger cars in the yard." Meanwhile down the line a large bag of bits was thrown out of a train while the screams of the robbers were heard. As the train left Manehatten, a hooded figure watched as a portal opened. "Love may triumph in most conflicts but karma can overcome evil." He said as he walked through. > King Sombra: Cold Hearted Defeat Part 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- King Sombra grinned from his balcony as many crystal ponies lined up in chains. His plan to take over the empire after it's returned worked. Now he was willing to expand his kingdom beyond his border and takeover the world with hatred and fear. The only obstacles he sees so far are the two sisters. But he has enough confidence to defeat them. He got up to enter his castle to find some of the crystal ponies were being forced into armor and helmets. The helmets had a special crystal that can corrupt the minds of the wearer to blindly follow the orders of the king. Once the helmets are on the struggling stops. He looked out to see the weather outside the dome looking worst. He imagined he would have to lift the dome to set out his new army soon. Until then the dome would not only keep him warm but to keep out any unwanted visitors. He went inside to the dungeons to see his prisoners. "You know if you're willing to put on the helmets ill gladly let you out of here." "No chance Sombra!" Snapped Twilight Sparkle. "That's King Sombra to you Failure!" Twilight winced at that name. She was sent here as part of a special test and she couldn't save an empire. All it took was the shattering of the crystal heart to cement her failure. She wished she couldn't see Princess Celestia as she could imagine her disappointment. Her sister in law Cadence stepped up. "Don't you dare insult her. She's a far better pony than you will ever be." "We'll see about that Cadenza, when my army goes to Canterlot." He said as he left. The sound of a door closing was soon followed by sniffling and sobbing. Spike the dragon was immediately by her side trying to comfort her. Her other friends soon followed they were lucky to be in the same cell. Too bad they couldn't break it. "Don't worry sugarcube we'll get out of here." Said Applejack. "Yeah and kick Sombra's flank to Tartarus." Said Rainbow Dash. Twilight smiled but deep down she was losing hope and prayed for a miracle. =============== Meanwhile outside the empire beyond the snow there was a forest. Within the trees a pair of eyes looked out from them and glanced towards the dome and the tall structures. Out the forest came two bipedal creatures. They had antlers like a deer, jaws similar to a wolf and claws that were sharp. They both looked to each other and spoke in raspy voices. "Was that there before?" "No, that wasn't there a few days ago. I was here hunting." "I don't know about you Fafnir but that city might have a suitable feast." said the female one. Fafnir the male beast raised a claw stopping his friend. "Careful Diya we don't know what they're like. The least we can do is warn our tribe and keep a close eye. We don't want to start the same conflict that forced our kind into exile centuries ago." "Fine but there better be hostiles worth eating in there." Said Diya. ================= Meanwhile in Canterlot Castle Princess Celestia grew worried for her student she was hoping to see her back soon or at least get a letter from her about the progress. Suddenly the doors opened to reveal a guard and her sister. "Any word from the Crystal Empire?" "No your Majesty but we believe your student and your niece have been captured." Explained the guard. "And according to our reconnaissance troops he is making a mind controlled army." Said Luna. Celestia eyes widened as her mind was boggled with questions. The most important one being was her student alright. The guard cleared his throat. "There's more we looked towards a wooded area and we have reason to believe not only the empire came back but we also feared 'they' have returned." Celestia paled as Luna looked confused. "No it's impossible...No creature can survive in the cold like that." "Sister whose they?" asked Luna "Luna remember how our mentor called the flying ghost horses windigos?" "Yeah?" "Guard leave us. I want to give Luna a secret I should've given her on her return." The guard left leaving the two sisters in private. Whatever Celestia had to share with Luna would most likely shock her. > Cold Hearted Defeat Part 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “So let me get this straight. We purposely labeled the ice spirits as windegos to prevent the subjects from finding about what windigos, or rather wendigos, really are?” Celestia nodded to Luna as she continued. “And that they were once a peaceful tribe until they went carnivorous and not only hunted animals but also ate a pony which started a war that forced them into exile in the frozen north?” Celestia nodded again as she spoke up. “It all happened when you were still a foal not able to understand. It was around that time I was just learning the basics of magic under Starswirl’s guide. We all thought after exile they would’ve gone cannibalistic and ate each other to extinction. I didn’t want that for them, but their devolving behavior didn’t win them any allies in the final decision. Ever since then it was a secret shared only by me and a few guards. I would've told you sooner and eventually my student.” Luna couldn’t believe what she heard. She heard rumors the ghost horses of winter were once called ice spirits but were relabeled at some point to Windigos. "So if what you're saying is true. What does that mean for Twilight?" Celestia could only look out the window at the direction of the empire. "I'd rather not imagine the worst case scenario." =============== "Remember your orders. Scout the area and use the woods as cover. Is that clear?" The troops saluted Sombra as they made their way out of the empire through a hole in the dome that quickly closed up after they left. The crystal magic in the helmets worked like a hive mind whatever happened Sombra would notice. They soon entered the woods not far from the empire. The troops took in the surrounding trees and bushes. However they all stopped as they noticed something amiss already. When they left there were fifteen troops now they're fourteen. Suddenly from a tree a pair of arms swooped down and grabbed a troop, then another pair of arms grabbed another from behind another tree. The troops drew out thier speers and began looking around suddenly from all angles the strange bipedal creatures jumped out and attacked the troopers. One beast slashed one in the face causing his helmet to fall off. The troop, now faced exposed, looked dazed as he looked around. “Where am I? What happened?” One moment there were troops in black armor and helmets now there were six beasts surrounding him. Looking around he saw those troops lying unconscious on the ground and there were puddles of blood surrounding the scene. The stallion looked up in fear at the creatures as they looked down at him. One crouched down to his level and stared deep into his eyes. “Don’t you remember?” The stallion shook his head in fear. The others got closer and looked like they were ready to pounce but one of them raised his claw. "Stand down, there's more to this." The others looked to their comrade who was holding one of the helmets and plucked something out. It looked like some kind of dark colored crystal. It emitted some strange glow. "Fafnir? What is it we're looking at?" asked one beast. "A form of mind magic. How Peculiar..." ========== King Sombra watched through an orb. He couldn't believe what he saw. A tribe of bipedal monsters have taken out a squad of his troops. He knew now his conquest would be more difficult. In a fit of rage he threw the orb against a wall shattering it. A scared maid immediately got to work cleaning the mess. "Either Celestia has new pets or this empire has been away for far too long." He then turned to his maid. "Tell my war department to speed up the conversion of my troops or perish!" "Right away your majesty!" =========== "Celestia what are you doing?" asked Luna. Celestia was putting on armor that was fitted to her tall body. "This was my fault. I threw my student into an ocean not caring if she could sink or swim. I have to make things right and pay a visit to two old friends." "Two? I know we have history with Sombra but who else we have to worry about?" "Remember how I said the wendigos were peaceful? I was friends with a young one. Please look after the kingdom while me and some soldiers deal with this." She took to the sky not caring a small scroll fell out of her armor. Luna looked at with curiosity. It had a pictogram of an young alicorn and a younger version of the beast Luna learned was called a wendigo. One of it's claws was holding the alicorn's hoof. > Cold Hearted Defeat Part 3 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight Sparkle was awakened to the sound of her cell doors opening. All of her friends were in chains. Even those with wings had their wings tied tightly to their bodies. She looked to see one of Sombra's controlled guards. He then spoke in a robotic kind of voice. "Get up. The king requests your presence." They were all dragged to the throne room where Sombra sat on his throne. He looked down at six elements, the royal couple, and the one dragon. "It seems my plan has had more flaws than I thought. My troops can't get far because of some monsters in the snow. Now I'm granting you an opportunity to help me." Twilight sneered but she was confused as was Shining Armor. They never saw any beast in the snow. "Like we would ever help you Tyrant!" She yelled. Sombra used his magic and raised one of his helmets. "You won't have much of a choice. I'll make you all mine even if I fight your struggle." Suddenly Rainbow Dash Managed to buck two of the guards restraining her. "Oh yeah? You and what army?" Suddenly the throne room was filled with the sounds of marching as the room filled with what seemed like hundreds of armored troops with their glowing green eyes. Rainbow's eyes widened and her Jaw dropped. Pinkie Pie rolled her eyes. "You just had to ask didn't you?" Little did they know they were being observed. A pegasus guard saw everything through his binoculars. He was lucky to see the throne room through a window even from outside the dome. "This can't be good. I got to warn the Princess." =============== Meanwhile Princess Celestia and her troops were slowly walking though the snow covered woods that were close to the empire. The cold air was enough to make anyone wish they were home near a warm fireplace. But Celestia pressed on she knew she had to be prepared for anything. It was this moment she saw something. In the distance she could see a glow that resembled a camp fire. "Troops, approach the glow with caution." Slowly they approached while remaining hidden. As they got closer Celestia would soon notice makeshift tents, teepees even what looked like a crudely made cabin. Then she saw them. The wendigos were either chopping wood with a hatchet, cooking what looked like fish on the fire, or maintaining their structures. There were even younger wendigos playing in the snow. It was then she noticed Crystal ponies with their helmets removed, so many scratches and bite marks on them, and looking either depressed or scared. One pony was surrounded by two wendigos with one holding him by the chest. "I told you guys! I don't know and I don't remember! I don't even-" "No more lies! Talk! While you still have a jaw!" The other wendigo stopped him. "Easy Luke. No pony is good when dead." "I thought I recognized you. It's been a while Fafnir." The whole camp went silent as everyone turned to see the tall white alicorn emerged from a bush. The wendigo, known as Fafnir, stood up looking almost surprised. "Celestia? My my have you changed. Last time we met you were the size of a newborn cub." Celestia grinned. "And you're still a tree." She teased. The troops still hiding along with the other wendigos looked to the leader Fafnir concerned if she offended him. But to almost everyone's surprise he actually laughed. Celestia joined in too. "Heheh thats a good one. Easy everyone this pony I know dearly. Oh and you Celestia can call out your troops you know I can smell them." "Stand down troops, come out, I promise he and his kind are no threat to us." Slowly the troops emerged from the trees and bushes. Both the troops and the wendigos were weary of each other. But seeing both leaders act towards each other was enough to not make them attack each other. Celestia approached Fafnir who was still standing near the crystal ponies. Fafnir raised his claw. “Stand clear these ponies are rather skittish.” "Then why are you interrogating them? Because it looked like this one was ready to slaughter him." She said gesturing to Luke. "They trespassed into our territory simple as that. But we know they know something about this. It was in their helmets." Fafnir explained as he held up the strange dark crystal. Celestia levitated it out of his claw and examined it carefully. She placed it into a saddlebag. "Please forgive these trespassers old friend they are a part of an empire that came back from long ago and their king is a pony that is more than willing to send troops into battle in the form of enslaved minds." "No doubt there are far more of them. Are you suggesting we can't war with what looks like a sub species of your kind? Despite them being controlled? I know you had no part in my exile but I promised my father, when he died, I would protect my kind no matter the cost." "And i'm sorry I left you behind. Even when me and my sister took the throne as young adults I should've come back here to see if you or anyone of your kind survived the centuries of Isolation. But now I not only come for you but now my niece and my faithful student are in the empire and in grave danger. I ask of you- no I beg of you...help me." All were silent the only sound was the cold breeze against the trees. Fafnir and Celestia stared deep into each others eyes. Then Fafnir turned to one of his kind. "Diya brew us some tea." Diya did just that and two more wendigos bought a makeshift table and two rocks. Diya placed the tea kettle on it along with two cups as Fafnir sat on one of the large rocks. He gestured to Celestia to sit down on the other one. As she did so Fafnir poured them both a cup. "So old friend. Where do we start?" > Cold Hearted Defeat Part 4 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sombra looked out from his balcony to see the numerous soldiers that stood in perfect lines. He knew this would be more than enough to storm an entire city. His only obstacle now is the forest with the beasts. He was just about yell a command when he sensed something. Off in the distance, outside the dome, he saw two ponies wearing the same armor. He was confused as he thought he lost contact with those troops. Never the less he went up to the edge of the dome and opened it up letting them inside. They had a stretcher that had one of the wendigos unconscious. "How intriguing. Take this beast to the dungeon." What he didn't know those two soldiers weren't exactly his. ============== Down below Twilight Sparkle was chained to a table. Her cell had strange gadgets surrounding her. Her friends were moved to a different cell further away. Sombra decided to make her a royal scientist. She would be forced to do research or her friends would be forced into the armor. She already lost Applejack and Rainbow Dash to Sombra's control. Soon enough the cell doors opened and Sombra entered while levitating the unconscious beast and placed it on a lab table. "This beast nearly wiped out a platoon of my soldiers. Examine this specimen for a weakness and record your findings, or the one you call Fluttershy will be next." Twilight gulped and looked at the beast as Sombra left. She has never seen anything like this. She used her magic to levitate a scalpel. Just as she was about to cut it's skin the claw suddenly grabbed it. Twilight jumped as the beast quickly leaped up and grabbed her. Twilight tried to scream but her muzzle was clamped shut. "Shhhh don't be scared i'm here to help." The beast slowly released his grip on Twilight as she calmed down. The student of Celestia looked up to him as he put her down on the floor. “Who are you? What are you?” “I’m a Wendigo. The name's Bruce by the way.” “Wait you’re a windigo? You don’t look anything like them.” “That’s because your culture took our name, relettered it like a pun and slapped it on the ice spirits. That’s what they’re really called.” Explained Bruce. “What? But how? Why?” Twilight Stammered but Bruce raised a claw silencing her. “There will be plenty time for questions later now we need to know something important. What’s controlling the dome now?” “Sombra’s magic why?” “Perfect when he comes back act natural.” “Why? Just why are you helping me?” Asked Twilight. “Because both our leaders are old friends.” Said Bruce as he got in the table to play dead. A while later Sombra came down to check on her progress. “Twilight have you found a weakness or do I have to make more soldiers out of your friends?” “There’s a sensitive weak spot but you might want to come closer as it would be easier to explain.” Sombra raised an eyebrow and trotted closer to the beast who is covered in a sheet. When sombra removed the sheet it happened. Bruce sprang up and latched on to the stallion’s horn. Sombra was surprised and attempted to blast him off. There was a blinding light in the cell for a moment. But when it died down, Sombra was on the floor but his horn had some damage. He slowly got up with rage in his eyes. "I'll rip you to shreds for that." But when he got up he saw the table no creature and Twilight was no where to be seen. He then noticed the cell door was broken. "Where did they go?" He then felt the cold air that was seeping through the iron bared window. A wave of realization struck him as he looked outside. The dome was gone and the harsh winter weather was already spreading across the city like a blanket. Sombra paled as his horn barely functioned. He then ran out and sent a command hoping his slaves were still under his control. As he got closer he heard the sounds of a battle outside. He looked out of a balcony, and to his surprise, there was his army fighting both wendigos and Celestia's soldiers. He smiled as he thought he still had control. But then he noticed something odd. The wendigos were only going for the head which caused their helmets to go flying off. He then saw Twilight sparkle Using her magic firing a beam at a charging group of crystal soldiers. They stopped only for thier helmets to be levitated off of them. Sombra gasped at the sight until he realized something. "Straps... I forgot to equip those helmets with straps so unicorns won't get them." "That's right Tyrant." said a gruff male voice. Sombra turned to see both Celestia and Fafnir standing behind him. "You see Sombra, the biggest difference between you and us is that we're smart." "and you're pure evil." Finished Celestia. Sombra attempted to charge his horn to blast them but Fafnir was quick. He grabbed onto him tightly with one arm and used his other to snap his horn off with brute force. Sombra screamed in pain struggled against his grip. "You think you won this battle Celestia. The empire will tear yours to the ground." "Is that so Sombra. I guess I have no choice. Your heart is too dark to even try and accept the hoof of friendship. I should bring you back and give you a trial for what you did but something tells me it's not worth it." "And what will you do? Turn me to stone like you did to the spirit of Chaos?" Celestia's horn glowed and turned to Sombra with a face that was a mix of fury and judgement. "Fafnir hold him still this spell needs to be precise." Sombra's face then started to show fear he tried to use what was left of his horn but it was nothing but a stump thanks to Fafnir. All he could do was stare at her in wide eye horror. The next moment the crystal ponies collapsed, the snow storm stopped and the sun began to shine. Twilight Sparkle stopped as she saw this. She then turned to the Crystal palace while Fafnir and Celestia looked down at something. Whatever happened inside the palace was a result of Celestia's judgement. > Cold Hearted Defeat Epilogue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Celestia finished reading the letter from Cadence. She smiled as she knew that Cadence and Shining Armor will do a far better job at running the now thriving Crystal empire. To her that wasn't the most important thing at this moment as her attention now faced her student in the throne room. Twilight Sparkle looked down in shame. She could still hear Sombra's taunting in her head. "You're Highness I'm so sorry. Everything happened so fast and I didn't plan ahead-" But before she could say more, her mentor was by her side with her wing wrapped around her in an embrace. "Twilight stop. Don't blame yourself for what happened. I'm the one who should be sorry. I had too much confidence in you and thought you and your friends would succeed." "But still we almost went to war with innocent slaves. If I had done everything right then-" "Nopony can expect somethings to happen and sometimes I keep forgetting you're still young. You have nothing to be sorry for but if I were to score this mission I would say you passed." Twilight was confused. "How?" "Because if it wasn't for your capture I never would've reunited with an old friend. One that I've considered a brother almost." “So Fafnir was an old friend of yours?” Celestia looked up deep in thought. “He was the son to the Tribe’s leader at that time. Even when they were going carnivorous he kept himself from hurting me or my family. But then one day it was discovered his tribe ate a pony who was also a diplomat at the time. When word of this act spread it was decided that the wendigos would be exiled for their crimes to the frozen north. If I was the ruler and not a child then I would’ve done more to help them. But now that I know they’re alive I can help them.” She then looked down to her student with a warm smile.”And I want you to assist me in this endeavor.” Twilight thought for a moment and smiled with determination. “I will. Just one last question. What happened to Sombra?” Celestia smiled sheepishly. “Let’s just say the spell I placed on him should keep him alive but in the event of death his body will slowly painfully pull him back together minus his horn of course.” Twilight looked up in confusion and horror. “Why would you do that?” “To make him pay for his crime but also to help the Wendigos control their carnivorous behavior. Don’t worry I’ll put him in a dungeon when the time comes.” ============== Sombra woke up smelling something. “Hey what’s cooking?” He looked down and found his body tied to a wooden stake above a fire. “ME!?” “Tonight we feast on victory!” Yelled Fafnir to his tribe. Throughout the night in the forest came the screaming of the once powerful king. A hooded figure watched from the distance as he opened a portal with his horn. “Revenge is a dish served cold but Justice is a meal served warm and best shared with friends.” He walked in and closed the portal. > Sunset Shimmer: Demons Within Part 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The room where the mirror stood was silent as the princess and the five young mares waited. They were hoping the newly coronated princess Twilight and Spike would come back through the portal with the element of magic crown. They wish they could go in and help. Suddenly there was a noise and the mares stood up and looked. They looked towards the mirror as they hopped their friends would return. But instead of an alicorn and dragon, thier stood a massive white Pegasus with glowing eyes. “Bulk Biceps? What are you doing here?” Asked Rainbow Dash. Suddenly a beam of magic blasted Bulk sending him back through the mirror. The five mares of ponyville looked to see Princess Celestia, horn smoking, and looking at the mirror in alarm. “That’s not the Bulk you know. And judging from his eyes, it’s happened. Twilight was too late.” “Your highness, what are you saying? Has Twilight been captured? Hurt?” Asked Rarity. “I don't know Rarity. But it looks like the situation on the other side has gotten worst.” Replied Celestia as she used her magic on the mirror. “There, now nothing can come in for now at least.” “You mean you’re leaving Twilight in there?” Asked Rainbow. “No Rainbow Dash I just need the portal closed long enough for my backup plan.” Said Celestia as she bought out a saddle bag and began digging through it. "You mean you're not sending us in there to help her? What could you send that can help her? You said it yourself the elements of Harmony are the first line of defense." Said Pinkie. "Yes, and they are the defense I'd rather rely on instead of this other method." Said Celestia as he pulled out what looked like an old book. “What’s that?” Asked Applejack looking to the book. Celestia said nothing as she approached the mirror. She looked down at the withered book with a sorrowful expression. “I know I promised you rest but now I need you to help me. Your world is in danger and I must rely on you. I hope you understand.” The book shook a little. Celestia opened it to the first page and there in crude writing were the words 'I understand Mother.' Celestia smiled warmly. As she used her magic and tossed the book through. Then closed the portal up again. The other mares looked on in confusion. Fluttershy walked up. “Celestia what is that book? Some kind of spell book?” “Not exactly. Long ago I went to that world to find my former student but instead I found a form of magic only native to that world. There was a suffering soul that took her rage out on her people but I took her here and promised her rest and something more. Ever since then I’ve been the only pony she’s come to consider a mother in her life because of what happened to her.” “So what did happened to her?” Asked Rainbow. “That’s a story for another day.” Said Celestia. ============== “What do you mean it’s closed!? It’s not suppose to close until later!” Screamed the demon known as Sunset Shimmer. The army of hypnotized high school students stood in perfect lines. It was suppose to be the start of an attack but for some reason a student was sent back. Sunset's henchmen Snips and Snails tried going through but for some reason they couldn't go through. On the side were the tied up remaining students of Twilight Sparkle and her human counterpart friends. They were confused but at the same time relieved that the portal closed. "I don't know what to tell you boss, but Bulk went in and got spat out. It's like- OW!" Exclaimed snips as something crashed into his head. Sunset looked towards the portal and realized that's where the object came from. She flew towards it only to hit it with a thud. She growled before turning back to Snips who picked up the object. Upon closer inspection, it looked like an old VHS tape. It had the words 'Watch me' on it. She snatched it out of his hands. "What is this? I thought you people got rid of stuff like this." Suddenly she heard the distant sounds of police cars. She then used her magic to create a dome around the entire school and courtyard. "I'll get this plan to work. But first I need to keep out unwanted Visitors. Keep an eye on my army and prisoners while I look into this." She ordered as she hovered back into the school. She then went to an old storage closet and found a TV with, to her luck, an old VCR. "Guess they still want to show the Freshmen Stan Ban the science man." After plugging it in, she turned on the TV and put in the tape curiosity overcoming her. The tape started with some static then it showed an image of some kind of white circle in a black background. It then went to display random scenes from both this world and Equestria. The scene showed Princess Celestia with another filly who looked drenched in water and getting her long black mane brushed by the princess in front of a mirror. Then it jumped to the scene of a human world steam train charging over a bridge over a rushing river. It then showed an opened book on fire. Sunset continued to watch in confusion with many questions flooding her mind. Who was that filly? How can someone film both worlds? She couldn't think now as the video continued to show other scenes like waves crashing against rocks near what looked like mount Aris near the hippogriff kingdom and a stampede of horses in the human world. The last thing the tape showed was a well in the middle of a field near a forest. Then the tape went to static. Sunset just stared until a ringing alarmed her. It was her cellphone with a caller ID saying unknown. She picked it up. "Hello?" "Seven days... give up or suffer in seven days." a female voice said before it hung up. Sunset was confused and also a little concerned. "Celestia, what pest did you send me this time?" > Demons Within Part 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The next morning Sunset awoke to see that her minions were still standing still like statues outside. She also noticed the number of police cars, news vans, and even a few military vehicles outside the dome. Men with guns and reporters with cameras stood close to it. She sighed in frustration. “This was suppose to be a quick start to an invasion.” Snips walked up to her still in his own demon form. “Uh boss me and Snails were talking and a thought just struck us. Doesn’t your world have its own army, military, or something?” “Yes ponies that use spears unlike you humans with guns.” “So you’re planning to send mindless drones against an even bigger army that can subdue them? Sunset was about to retort but then the meaning of his words sank in. She now stared dumbfounded at the students then back to the mirror. She then remembered back when her mentor Celestia introduced her to the Royal guard. Snips broke the awkward silence. “You didn’t think far ahead didn't you?” “Shut up!” ============== Down below in the school's basement Sunset approached her tied up captives and showed them the tape. "This came out of the mirror last night before it closed up without warning. What do you know about this?" Twilight looked at the VHS tape confused. "I don't know. Equestria hasn't made that kind of movie technology. All we have are the super eights and film studio cameras to produce moving pictures." "Don't lie to me. There's something odd on this tape and only you would know considering you took my place as Celestia's Student." Twilight plucked up courage and looked up to the demon "Then maybe you shouldn't have ran away like a-" She was cut off as Sunset Grabbed her by the throat. "You know nothing about me and I bet you don't even know what it's truly like being her puppet. I'll succeed in my plan and if I cant force the mirror open then I suppose you'll make a good ransom." She released her letting Twilight take a deep breathe. She left the basement leaving the girls and dog alone. ============== That night Sunset awoke in a strange place confused. She remembered the last thing she saw were the additional vehicles and people outside the dome when she passed a window before laying down on her makeshift bed. But the next moment she found herself in her normal human self on a riverbank seeing a rushing river and trees. she looked to her left and saw further away was a steel railroad bridge. "Why does this place look familiar? And where are my powers?" She didn't think for long as she suddenly heard someone humming. She looked around and saw what looked like a little girl sitting on the bridge plucking the pedals off a flower. The girl's skin was white like Rarity and her hair was black and so long it covered half her face. Sunset walked closer to her to get a better look. But as she got closer the girl stood up and dropped the flower into the river. She then stepped towards the edge of the bridge on the opposite of where Sunset was. "Hey little girl what are you doing?" The girl said nothing as she continued standing with her back facing away from Sunset. Sunset tried calling out to her but she wasn't sure if she was close enough to be heard or if the river was drowning out her sound. Then she noticed the girl was taking a step off the edge but just as she was about to lean forward. There was a whoosh and a screaming whistle. Sunset jumped in fright as a passenger train charged across the bridge. She couldn't see the girl because of the train. As it passed Sunset had a mix of emotions which were confusion, concern, and fear. When the last car passed, the girl was gone. Sunset didn't see her fall off nor did it look like the train ran her over. So where did she go? She looked down to the river and there, her fear spiked. There in the middle of the river was the girl. Her once white dress now looked filthy and her drenched hair covered her face. Even though her face was covered Sunset could feel it was staring at her. Sunset just stared as the girl raised her arms and suddenly there was a groaning sound from the bridge. "Hey what are you-" Suddenly the steel bridge broke apart like it was made of aluminum. Some parts splashed in the river while a good majority of it warped with the track twisting into a curve that aimed towards Sunset. Then another whistle sounded. Sunset immediately figured out what was going on and ran along the bank but couldn't climb up. A freight train then barreled down the tracks and then tumbled off the end of the broken bridge and into the river. Sunset looked back and saw the engine and the cars were tumbling and flying through the air like toys. Suddenly it was like raining train cars as sunset now found her self running on a now shallow river as cars struck the ground like darts. She barely dodged a few before a boxcar landed in front of her. On it were white painted letters saying 'Six days.' She looked back and saw the engine flying right to her with a whistle blowing like a ghost. ============= Sunset awoke with a scream as she looked around. Her demon form was still on her. She got up and looked in the mirror. "Six days huh. Very well you little brat. Show me what you got." > Demons Within Part 3 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Hey Snails, you think the boss is taking things too far?" "What do you mean Snips?" "Are you that dumb? Look outside!" Outside the dome, it looked like a warzone. Within a few days Sunset Shimmer was not only destroying whatever was on the outside but was growing increasingly paranoid. Outside were craters and destroyed vehicles of different kinds. The military had to evacuate whoever was nearby and had to back away from a safe distance. But that didn't put Sunset's mind at ease. If anything it was getting worst. Throughout the week she was getting nightmares that had that same girl who was counting down the days. One night she dreamed she was a unicorn back in Equestria falling off a cliff off of mount Aris. Another night she dreamed she was ran over by a stampede of horses. But no matter what she tried she couldn't get the mirror to open or even find whoever was causing these nightmares. Sunset has lost track of days despite the call being about a week ago. She has completely lost her mind taking her rage out on whatever came close to the dome or anything that wasn't alive inside. She was currently in a classroom that had all it's desks destroyed and the chalkboard had doodles of her dreams on it. She was planning on visiting her prisoners but she knew it was best to let her lackeys make sure they were fed. "I don't understand it. Where is she really from? Where is she? Is she suppose to come? Will she attack me in my dreams even more?!" She was about to throw another tantrum when suddenly she heard something. She looked and saw a computer monitor turn itself on. Curiously she looked toward it and then it showed an image of a well. The same well she saw on the tape. Sunset then picked up the monitor and threw it against the wall, destroying it. "I don't care who you are! You're not getting me." She then flew through the halls only to hear static sounds on the intercom. It was steadily getting louder. Sunset thought her head was gonna explode. Out of fear she flew into another class room where there was a TV on a shelf trolley. She looked only to see it unplugged. She just leaned against the wall letting her body slide her down to a sitting position. Then all of a sudden she heard static and the TV turned itself on to show an image of the well. Sunset was about to charge when she saw something new. A hand reaching out of the well. "What the?" Suddenly she saw her. The girl from her dreams. Long black hair covering her face, a white dress covered in filth. She slowly emerged from the well and started to walk towards the screen. Sunset now found this amusing. "Oh what are you going to do? Break the glass? I'll help." She attempted to break the screen with her fist but to her surprise it didn't break. She then picked up a meter stick nearby and swung it like a bat. It didn't even crack. Sunset was growing more nervous as the girl walked closer. She then saw the girl raised her hand and then a click was heard in the room. Sunset turned to the door and attempted to open it. It was locked. "HEY! Snips! Snails! Open this door!" Sunset looked back at the screen and saw the girl raised both it's hands and then to her shock the hands came through the screen like it was made of water. Slowly and surely the rest of her slowly crawled out of the tv and on the floor on all fours. Sunset felt like she could over power her, destroy her, or anything of that nature. But for some reason she felt fear by looking at this girl as she got up on her two legs with water dripping from her hair and dress. Then her head which was looking down the whole time raised up and it was there sunset saw her face. Her cold dead stare pierced through her soul like an arrow. Sunset no longer felt power or much of anything. All she could do was scream. =============== Twilight and her friends awoke to the sound of the scream and immediately looked around and wondered what happened. A few moments later they heard the door to the basement open. They heard the sounds of bare feet stepping down the stairs as the little girl walked towards them. The six girls and dog were immediately petrified by this visitor. But the girl just walked behind them and immediately Twilight felt her tied up hands loosened as the girl undid the knots. "Who are you? What happened to Sunset?" The girl said nothing and made a shushing gesture with her finger to her hair covered face. Instead of answering her she just turned and walked away. Twilight was about to follow her when she was interrupted. "Hey! What about us?" Snapped Rainbow Dash. After all were untied they immediately left the basement only to find the students were no longer under mind control and were walking around confused. Twilight was just concerned about Sunset and the girl. She soon found Sunset in a classroom and gasped. Sunset was not only back to a normal human but she looked so malnourished anyone can see the outline of her bones. She was barely breathing and her eyes were shot wide open and was rocking back and forth. She looked up to Twilight and handed her the crown. "Take it! Just take it and take that with you!" She pointed to the TV that had a VHS tape sticking out of the VCR. On it were the words 'return to Equestria.' Twilight cautiously took it and looked back at the quivering wreck that was once the bully of CHS. Twilight turned to her friends who were making their way to her. Twilight didn't know what to do about this but then an idea struck her. > Demons Within Epilogue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It had been barely a few days after Twilight and Spike came back through the mirror. With them came the element of Magic as well as an old withered book that had the words 'Read me' on it. Twilight was currently with her mentor in her bed chambers. With Celestia was the old book. She had her face buried in it becoming transfixed on a page. "I see both of you made quite an impression on the human world." "Your Majesty? I have so many questions like do you know this girl and why is she in a tape or rather a book?" Asked Twilight. "You see my student, long ago I travelled to the human world to find Sunset Shimmer but during my stay I heard reports of strange occurrences where people were found either dead or paralyzed with fear. At first I thought it was Sunset but upon closer inspection, it wasn't. This girl was a tortured soul who was shunned by her own kind because of her powers. I watched her tape and when she came for me she somehow sensed I wasn't human like her. Long story short I began to bond with her and my search for Sunset slowly became fruitless. When I decided to return home I offered her a place to stay and rest and I gave her the one thing she desired, a mother." Twilight listened in astonishment. She heard rumors about Celestia having a secret child that wasn't Cadence. She didn't know what to think of this but she was grateful this mysterious girl came and put a stop to Sunset's plans. The book then Vibrated. Celestia opened it and smiled. "Oh Twilight look. It seems my daughter wants to ask you something I hoped she'd ask you." Twilight looked into the book and saw a cartoon picture of a filly with black eyes, and a long mane covering half her cute smile, holding a paper sign in her hooves saying. "Will you be my friend?" Twilight smiled warmly at her and nodded. Suddenly the book glowed brightly as Celestia placed it on the floor and then slowly a pair of hooves emerged from the book followed by a body. The filly crawled out and looked up to the young alicorn with a smile. "Nice to meet you little one i'm princess Twilight Sparkle. Whats your name?" The filly smiled softly and gave her response. "Samara Morgan." ============== “Alright you two keep yourself available.” Said the police officers as they left the house. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy could only watch as they left. They soon entered the house and sighed. “Never thought I would lie to a cop.” Said Rainbow. “Me neither but after what happened I don’t want to risk it. But do we really need to keep her hidden? They don’t know she’s the demon and the school swore to secrecy.” “Fluttershy, in her state and after what she did she’s an easy target for the hypocrites that want to beat her for revenge. You heard Twilight she’ll go back when the school becomes more forgiving.” They both entered a bedroom where Sunset Shimmer sat in a wheelchair staring out the window. Ever since the night of her defeat, it was agreed she would stay here and learn about friendship. Twilight made it clear to the students she doesn't want to hear about acts of revenge by anyone. The human counterparts were hesitant about helping Sunset learn but after seeing her anorexic and petrified state, they decided to give it a try. "Hey Shimmers you uh want something to drink?" asked Rainbow. "Water..." Uttered Sunset. After Fluttershy got closer to her with a bottle of water she noticed the tear stains cascading down her face. "Why? Why do you all insist on helping me? Are you just following orders?" "No Sunset. Trust me we want to leave you to the riots at school but it doesn't seem right." Replied Rainbow, who was standing by Fluttershy with her own water bottle. "But don't worry we forgive you for dividing us besides everyone deserves a friend." Said Fluttershy who offered her the bottle since Sunset was still too weak to even lift her arms. Sunset took a sip of water and smiled softly. Outside a hooded figured watch and opens a portal. "Inside every demon there's an angel waiting to be free but inside every angel there is a demon struggling to get loose." He once again walked in and closed the portal. > Lord Tirek: Strength and Length Part 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Celestia was in a panic as she flew across the land her mane and tale were singed and her coat had her a few burn spots on her. Behind her a huge beam of fire followed her. It was destroying everything in it's path. Celestia couldn't look back as she knew it would kill her. Behind her the beam disappeared and behind it was the source of it. That being a huge centaur almost as big as her castle. The centaur known as Tirek could only laugh as he chased the alicorn. "You can't run or fly from me Celestia. You can't even hide." Celestia continued flying until she flew through Ghastly gorge. Tirek was soon stopped by the huge cave eels that occupied the caves. He was soon in combat with them and he was slowly winning. Celestia knew that would at least distract him long enough for her to find a place to hide. Eventually she found an unoccupied cave. It would make a good hiding spot for now. She glanced out and saw Tirek defeating the eels only for him to slowly trot forward through the gorge. Celestia did her best to stay quiet but when she attempted to go deeper into the cave she had the feeling she wasn't alone in that cave. At some point she smelled something. It smelled like cinnamon. She then saw something move within the darkness. She now wanted to leave but she knew it would resulted in Tirek finding her. Using what was left of her magic she lit up the cave only for her to come face to face with the skull of a horse. ================ Celestia awoke with a scream. Two guards suddenly burst through the door followed by her sister Luna. "Sister I saw your dream. Are you alright?" Celestia's rapid breathing slowed to a calm pace. "Yes Luna I'm fine. But I fear the world won't be for long. Did you see what I saw in the cave?" Luna went from concern to confusion. "Cave? I only saw Tirek and those eels fighting? What did I miss?" Celestia said nothing as she got out of bed and walked to the balcony. The moon was still up but she saw the clock and knew morning was coming very soon. Luna joined her on the balcony. "Luna let me ask you something. If you had to choose between a young hero like Twilight and a hero from far long ago what would you pick?" "What kind of question is that? Twilight would always be the one. You gave her those wings for all she did and learn." "I did but I fear what might come here maybe too much for her to handle." "Agree if Tirek has gained enough power then he might be too powerful. Is this about that other monster you saw? What do you know about him?" "He's somewhat of an old folklore. He first appeared sometime after your banishment. He comes when there is impending doom and most of the time intervenes. I haven't seen him for a long time." "When was the last time you saw him?" asked Luna. "The night before you came back as the Nightmare. I hope he can help us." "And if he shows up too late? Who else can we rely on?" "Call this crazy, but maybe Discord can help if Fluttershy reformed him right." "You're right sister, that is crazy." Both their horns glowed and soon the moon went down followed by the sun coming up. It was the start of another day. Further away from the castle a horse skull on a long neck stuck out of a forest and watched the sunrise. > Strength and Length Part 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A FEW DAYS LATER... Five mares, a dragon and a draconequus sat in a cave with a campfire. It only felt like seconds ago that Lord Tirek came and took their magic. As they managed to setup a campfire Twilight decided to stay outside. Out there, all she could hear was the distant sound of the night time crickets along with the far off sound of Tirek destroying another acre of land. Twilight Sparkle felt helpless. She had no choice but to give Tirek her magic in exchange for her friends. It was only there they decided to leave before the centaur decided to squash them. They couldn't use the strange crystal box from the tree because Tirek somehow destroyed it in a single blast. Twilight silently cried until she heard the sound of hoofsteps, it was there she was suddenly in a group hug by her friends and her little brother. Applejack broke the silence. "Don't you worry Sugarcube. We'll find a way. We always had." Twilight could only utter a thank you as her best friends continue to hug her but deep down she felt something else. Just then Discord strolled out. Twilight then realized what it was, rage. Discord looked to Twilight with a frown and cleared his throat to speak. "Twilight I know things look bleak but-" All of a sudden he was tackled to the ground by an enraged growling alicorn. Twilight practically had him pinned to the ground by his throat. Discord struggled to breathe as Twilight strangled him. "THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!" She screamed. "Twilight calm down!" shouted Rainbow as she and the others attempted to pry Twilight off Discord. They eventually succeeded Twilight struggled out her friend's grip as she stood before them with a scowl. "Why did Celestia choose you? Did you manipulate her mind to have you go after him? I say this was your plan the whole time! Weaken equestria of everything causing more chaos in the form of fire. Well congratulations you succeeded." Discord coughed a bit before slowly getting up. "Twilight I didn't mean for this to happen. I was promised something greater than friendship, but instead I paid the price for it." Twilight scoffed "Well that first part doesn't help your case. If anything it proves you've never reformed under Fluttershy's guide." As Twilight ranted her friends smelled something odd. It wasn't the smoke from the campfire or any foul creature of the forest. To Pinkie Pie the smell reminded her of Sugarcube corner. "Does anypony smell cinnamon?" "Not now Pinkie. Now as I was saying you're not worthy of being a friend to anyone because all you care about is yourself!" Said Twilight who was too busy ranting to notice the smell. What she also didn't notice was the strange figure looming behind her. Her friends and Discord noticed it however. "Uh Twilight?" asked a concerned Spike. "What is it?" snapped Twilight. Rarity pointed behind her. Twilight turned and saw a skull on a long neck staring at her. Everyone there felt petrified by this anomaly in front of them. All Twilight could do was stare at this horse skull. She couldn't use magic to defend her. The creature just moved it's head closer to Twilight. She just looked into the eyeholes of the creature as it stared back at her. She suddenly saw something in the holes and saw it was her battle with Tirek, playing out like a movie. She then saw an image of Tirek fighting something long and white. She couldn't tell if it was rope or a big long snake. She then focused only one question. "What are you?" she asked. The long necked horse said nothing as it's head slowly retreated back into the forest and away from the cave. It was a long awkward silence until Spike broke it. "What just happened?" > Strength and Length Part 3 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tirek was having the time of his life. His giant formed wiped anything that got in his way. He just about destroyed all of Ponyville. Fortunately everypony left leaving the town at his mercy. He felt like there was now nothing that could stop him. "I wonder if my old man is still alive. Maybe then I can finally show him what I'm capable of. Maybe I can steal his magic too!" He laughed menacingly as he fired a beam straight at a patch of trees at the edge of the Everfree forest. But as the smoke cleared he noticed something odd. There not only a crater of the trees that once sat there but there was a strange line. From the distance it looked like a floating rope. Upon closer it didnt look like rope. Out of curiosity, he walked over and picked it up. It felt odd in his hand and it felt like it was moving. "What is this?" Suddenly the thing he grabbed began to speed up. It sped up so quickly the friction was enough to burn his hand, making him drop it. "YOW!" He grunted and attempted to stomp it with his hoof. While he did stop it the portion behind it was still moving and practically began to pileup like coils. He was surprised and confused by this. “What is this? Some floating snake?” He attempted to blast it with his magic but it didn’t seem to burn it. He then attempted to rip it in two with his strength, but for some odd reason it didn’t break. What he also didn’t notice was that the long floating creature was slowly wrapping itself around his legs like a constrictor. Despite how long the creature was looking the giant centaur wasn't going down without a fight as he tried to grab it, bite it, tear it or pretty much anything to damage this creature. But what he was now failing to realize was that his body was now being slowly wrapped up like a spider's prey by the creature. Slowly and surely he was getting wrapped up in the coils of this strange creature. He went from fighting to struggling against it. No matter what he tried, he couldn't free himself. He was now all tied up from his arms to his whooves. He then saw the creature's head. A horse skull with a black mane. "What are you?" The long horse said nothing as he inched his head closer Tirek's eyes. It was then Tirek looked inside the eyes of the creature. He saw many things from his past. His parents, his brother, his time adventuring, everything. His eyes went from fear to rage again. "How dare you bring my poor excuse for a father into this!" But before he can say anything else he saw the eyes of the creature glow bright. It was so bright it was brighter than the sun. So bright that Tirek was being blinded even shutting his eyes didn't help. ================== Twilight, her friends, Spike and Discord walked out of the Everfree Forest and what they saw was a sight they would never forget. Between the forest and Ponyville was a large crater, many ponies were gathering around it and there inside it was Tirek. He was no longer big and powerful but small, weak and scrawny. Twilight looked back to the forest and saw a pair of hollow eye sockets staring back at her before disappearing. > Strength and Length Epilogue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ponyville was a busy site as many of it's inhabitants were clearing away debris and fixing their homes and shops. While the damage could be fixed it was nothing compared to the feelings of the Princess of Friendship. Twilight was in Carousel Boutique with her friends and the strange box they found months ago. Surprisingly despite it being blown up they somehow found it near the Everfree Forest. Despite finding five keys they couldn't find the sixth one. "Wish I had an adventure like you girls. Maybe I would've gotten a key of my own. This box might've helped us against Tirek" Applejack placed a hoof on Twilight's shoulder. "Don't you worry sugarcube. Maybe some boxes weren't meant to be open." Suddenly a bright flash appeared and there stood Discord. Twilight immediately got mad. "You got a lot of nerve showing up here." "I know Twilight I messed up." said Discord. "And?" Twilight asked. "I cared about nothing but myself." "And?" "I never should've betrayed you and your best friends." "And?" "I'm a big idiot with the brain the size of a pebble." Twilight sighed "Its going to take a while for me to ever forgive you." "I know which is why I'm giving you this. Tirek gave it to me and said it was originally from Skorpan" He said as he removed a necklace and gave it to her. Twilight stared at the necklace as a rainbow shined across it. She smiled as she stared up at Discord. "Its a start at least." ============== Tirek awoke in his cell in Tartarus. "Great just great! Back to square one! Now what?" He then heard a strange sound and smelled something. "Is that Cinnamon?" He then turned and saw something move in the dark as the long horse skull came into view. All Tirek could do was scream. Outside Tartarus a hooded horned creature stood outside the gate and opened a portal. "Its not about the size of an enemy its about the power they posses. In another expression, good things come in small packages." He walked in and closed it. > The Dazzlings: Technological Musical Part 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The locked room was silent as six girls and a dog sat in silence. It was suppose to be a defeat but somehow the combined power wasn’t enough. One blast and they were on the ground along with destroyed instruments and a destroyed DJ subwoofer car. Fluttershy was the first to break the silence. “At least we still have each other right?” Applejack scoffed. “Yeah and we could’ve still had the whole school if Rainbow-“ “Applejack, I swear if you start another argument I’m going to see if I still have my magic to zip your lips shut for good.” Snapped Twilight with gritted teeth. Applejack immediately went pale. “I’ll be good.” She murmured. Rainbow dash looked outside the window and saw what looked like many banners of the siren plastered on buildings and many people were marching around like soldiers. They were singing the dazzling songs. She sighed knowing things could only get worst all because she couldn't keep her ego in check. Rarity spoke up next. "At least Sunset made it out before things got worst. You think she'll get help?" "Even if she finds a military fort or even a police station, they'll most likely won't believe her because those Dazzlings have taken the media and made it look like everything is fine." Said Rainbow Dash as she showed rarity her phone which had random post made in the last hour on the Mystable website. To the world it looks like everything was ok in the town. Twilight could only look up to the ceiling in worry as her mind went to Sunset Shimmer. "I hope you did make it out, my friend." ================== Sunset Shimmer ran through the town hiding in alleys and the occasional dumpster. She was so close to the edge of the city. Everywhere she went she could hear the voice of the siren known as Adagio Dazzle as she either sang or gave out orders to find her on the radio or on television. "Only two more blocks and just a straight shot along the railroad line. You can do this." She ran out the alley but just as she rounded a corner she saw them. Not the Dazzlings but some of their hypnotized victims. They only stared for a moment before attempting to chase her. Sunset turned and run as fast as she could but she didn't get far as someone leaped into the air and pinned her to the ground. Sunset saw and recognized the girl as a Crystal Prep student because of the uniform. The student stared deep into sunset with her glowing hypnotized eyes as she spoke. "You must be under their spell. You must be under their spell. You must be-" But before she could say it again she was suddenly struck from behind before collapsing. Sunset looked at the knocked out girl before turning to thank her rescuer but what she didn't expect was what kind of person saved her. She was expecting an unaffected citizen or even a soldier but this person didn't appear to be human. The strange man was wearing a formal suit and tie but the weirdest part was his head. It's head was what looked like a CCTV security camera, much like the ones she has seen at the school and in museums. The man was holding what looked like a baseball bat. He dropped it to the ground and offered Sunset a hand to help her up. Sunset was hesitant but considering her life was saved she took it. As she was helped up she looked to the street and couldn't believe her eyes. There were more of these men and even women. She could only distinguish them by the formal clothes they wore but their heads were another story. Some had CCTV Cameras for head, some had old vintage box televisions for heads and some had small subwoofers for heads as well. They were all either marching up the street or knocking out affected individuals. Sunset couldn't help but stare at the whole scene in awe and confusion as the army continued on while the ones with speaker heads played an old song. "Acting on your best behavior" "Turn your back on Mother Nature" "Everybody wants to rule the world" > Technological Musical Part 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "So remind me again who or rather what you guys are?" asked Sunset as she walked alongside two camera heads. "We call ourselves the Alliance. You'll know more when you meet our leaders. They'll definitely want to talk to you." Responded one of the camera heads. How was he able to speak to her without a mouth was a mystery to Sunset. "Why?" “You’ll see.” He simply said as they continued down a hallway. So far Sunset was amazed and confused by these strange beings. One moment she was still on the street next moment a television head grabbed her by the shoulders and teleported her to some lab in a puff of black smoke. She continued walking taking in her surroundings. This strange place had camera heads wearing lab coats working on computers with a few speaker heads either helping or dancing to music. After a long walk they soon entered a room and there stood three more of them but they looked different from what Sunset has seen so far. There was a man with the head of an old recording camera much like what the film studios used. There was another man who had the head of a speaker but his clothes looked less formal and more casual. And lastly there was a women whose TV head played some pink static while showing a simple smile face that looked more like a colon and parentheses. The three stood behind a large desk until the camera head turned to the escorts. "You two leave us and check the status on the titans." The two camera heads saluted and left leaving Sunset Shimmer alone with the three. "Who are you guys? The leaders?" "Yes the name is Classic Film and these are my colleagues Static Noise and Disc Jockey" said the Camera head gesturing to the other two leaders. "And we know who you are Miss Shimmer." Said Static the TV head. Sunset was now more shocked by this. How do these strange people know her? Do they know what she's done? Has she been watched this whole time? She was starting to stress out with all the question but Disc Jokey spoke up next. "Calm yourself Sunny, we're not judging you and we know you've been making strides to improve yourself heck we all thought you would help those Rainboom girls win this so called battle." "But what are you guys doing here? In fact how come I never heard of this alliance before? I may have been here for a short time but I'm pretty sure I studied all forms of defense for this country and this planet." "Who says we're from this planet?" asked Static. "Wait so you're... aliens?" "We prefer the term trans-dimensional beings." Said Disc. "As for why we're here we simply thought this world could use our help. We know these sirens will most likely destroy the world through brainwashing and psychological warfare. And we need your help. You see we know you and another individual are from the other world that has power beyond anything humans have ever seen and we might be able to use it to our advantage." Explained Film. Sunset nodded in understanding. "What do I need to do?" Static Noise stepped out from behind her desk and walked to the door. "Follow me." ================== Sunset stood in awe and shock at the three large giants in front of her in a massive hangar. She couldn't tell if they were humanoid giant cyborgs or giant robots. Dozens of Camera heads were working on them. "These three are the titans. Capable of wiping out enemies with special powers. However they use a lot of energy that they constantly require recharging which is why we barely use them. Your magic might be able to, not only increase their charge, but also amplify their powers." Explained Static. "But how am I supposed to help three Giants? I'm only one person and Twilight is under heavy guard." Said Sunset. Static put a hand on her shoulder. "I'll help you by teleporting you to each one we'll take down the sirens one by one. Besides I believe its time you showed the world you can be a better heroic angel than a demonic villain." Sunset looked to Static's encouraging smile that was displayed on her screen, then to the titans who were looking down at her. She then looked to her hands that were glowing from the magic she still had. She closed her eyes thinking about her friend Twilight and the world. She then opened them and looked once again at the titans. "I'll do it." Everyone in the room, along with three titans, looked to her and gave her a thumbs up. > Technological Musical Part 3 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sonata Dusk relaxed on the rooftop on a hotel basking in the sunlight. Beside her were some hypnotized boys dressed as butlers and offering her food. She reached out and grabbed a taco before taking a big bite. "Ahh this is the life." Suddenly she heard a strange sound. It almost like a jet or a rocket. Curiously she lifted up the sunglasses on her eyes and saw what looked like a giant humanoid robot soaring across the sky. It's head looked like a giant camera. The strange thing landed right in front of the hotel but it was still taller and it looked down at Sonata Dusk. Sonata then stood up from her lounge chair. Her gem stone necklace shined bright as she leapt into the air and changed into her giant serpent form. "You don't scare me ugly." The large Camera titan then punched her hard sending her flying backwards into a skyscraper. "Ow that wasn't fair." "Like you told me too bad so sad." Said a voice. Sonata's eyes widened as she recognized the voice. She looked up and there standing on the slow walking giant's shoulder was Sunset Shimmer. Just like in their battle she had pony ears, a horn, and a tail on her. She was holding two cables connecting to the titan. "Say goodnight..." She simply said as the titan raised an arm that had a canon and pointing at Sonata. "Uh Goodnight?" ================ "Geez can't a girl get some relaxation?" Complained Aria as one of her own servants was giving her a back massage. She did hear the sound of a ruckus outside but she assumed it was Sonata having too much fun. Then all of a sudden she heard an explosion so loud everything shook like an earthquake. She groaned and snapped her fingers telling her servant to stop massaging and get her bathrobe. "What is going on out there?" She stepped outside another hotel wearing her bathrobe. "Sonata! How many times must I- WOAH!" She then saw the blue serpent crashing to the ground in front of her before changing back into a human. It was then Aria saw the destroyed necklace that once had a gem in it. She then saw the giant titan leap into the sky and flew away on a jet pack. "This isn't good I have to tell-" But when she turned to face the street towards Adagio's territory. She saw another giant but this one had speakers on it's head and shoulders. It also had two canons on it's arms. She then plucked up courage before transforming into her own serpent form. "You think you and your friend are tough! I'll show you!" She attempted to launch herself at the giant but she was met with a canon barrel in her mouth followed by a blast. She was sent flying, crashing, and coughing up smoke. "You think that'll stop me?" "No but that was only a small percent of his power." Said a voice. "No way! You're still here?" There was Sunset standing on the giant with speakers holding a cable connecting the head to it's body with one hand and a microphone in the other. "You have your choice take your sister and run or fight my new friend here." "Over my dead body!" Said Aria as she laid on the ground. "Have it your way." Sunset's hands glowed along with the cable and microphone. Aria stopped as she saw the speakers emitting electrical sparks. She then saw Sunset taking a huge breath and raising the microphone to her mouth. It was now she realized what was about to happen and only two words came to mind. "Oh sh-" ========================== Adagio was in the principal office of Canterlot Highschool going through some drawings of what looked like a large castle. "Yes this school will be forever marked as our first ever claimed territory but even I must have a place of my own honor." Suddenly the windows shattered and a loud bang was heard outside. Adagio jumped and covered her ears. After recovering and making sure she had no glass penetrating her skin, she groaned as she looked outside. "I swear those two idiots cant even stay out of petty squabbles for one week." She transformed and took to the sky. But no sooner she began looking she was immediately grabbed by the tail of something and thrown to the ground with a slam. She shook of the debris but when her eyes adjusted she saw a tall giant towering over her. This giant had speakers on it's chest and shoulders but also a giant TV for a head. The screen showed static before it revealed Sunset Shimmer. Adagio was surprised as only one question came to her mind. How and where did she come across this giant? She didn't think for long when the voice of Sunset Shimmer spoke. "Adagio Dazzle, you've caused enough trouble for me, my friends, and this city. Your sisters have been dealt with Surrender and I'll show you mercy." Adagio smirked "Like that's suppose to scare me. Minions Attack!" The TV head went to static as it looked down at the approaching men coming up the street. The screen went red and bright as the army stopped seemingly mesmerized by the screen. Then they all fainted. Adagio was surprised then attempted to lunge at the giant only for her to be grabbed by said giant. The two locked gazes with each other when the static started to glow brighter and sound was starting to emit from the speakers. To her it almost sounded familiar. Like an electronic orchestra was tuning up with a deep note. She then remembered it from a movie she saw with the the girls. The sound was from a studio logo known for sound. She now began to panic as the sound grew louder and louder. It got so loud her gem started to crack and then it shattered. The sound died down and she transformed back into her human form falling to the ground only to be caught by a few camera men. ============= Twilight, Spike, and the rainbooms couldn't believe what they saw out the window. A giant robot controlled by Sunset Shimmer took out the Dazzling leader Adagio. The giant TV head teleported in a puff of black smoke. A few minutes later they heard the door open and there stood Sunset Shimmer. She was smiling as she spoke. "Girls its over." > Technological Musical Epilogue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunset Shimmer walked through the halls of Canterlot High. Unlike last time with the students giving her stern looks and death glares, they were actually smiling. Ever since the sirens disappeared and word of her heroic actions spread through the student body, her popularity sky rocketed with many students either thanking her, apologizing to her or both. Of course the rest of the world doesn't know what actually happened. To the rest of the city it was all a blur all they know was that they woke up to the city looking like it suffered a huge earthquake. But repairs were done in a matter of days. As for the band they managed to work out their differences and offered Sunset a spot in the band since Twilight was only a part of it for assistance. She accepted it. After Sunset managed to shake off the paparazzi, she slipped into a Janitor closet where a camera head was waiting for her. Unlike the other camera heads she met, the CCTV camera on his head was dark grey. He was working at a computer when he noticed Sunset entered. "Were you followed?" he asked. "No, why do you even hide here? Don't you think someone might wander in here?" "Your principal gave me the job as night Janitor in exchange for keeping a close eye on this world from now on. Besides I have a lot of experience with sanitation and plumbing." He explained as he pointed to the mop, bucket, and plunger. "But enough about me let us focus on you now. I see your celebrity status is up and I see that everyone is following our rules of secrecy." Sunset smiled "Yes, thank you for giving me the chance to redeem myself." "Hey, we should be thanking you. Our leaders had nothing but kind things to say about you after dealing with those sirens. Keep up the good work Shimmers. Hey since you have free time before class want to game with me for a bit?" He asked as he pulled out a mobile phone. Sunset pulled out her new smartphone. "Sure. By the way what did you do about the Dazzlings?" "Oh we sent them to our little prison dimension. It looks like your planet but its meant to be a playground for them and our old enemies." "And who would those be?" ===================== The Dazzlings wandered through what looked like an empty big city. Adagio was lucky to have not gone deaf by that giant but the next thing she knew she was dragged by strange men to a world that looked devoid of life. "Well Adagio got any idea where we are or what your next BIG plan is?" "Shut it Aria. I'm not a map." They were turned a corner and saw something in the street. It looked like a toilet sitting in the middle of the street. Aria scoffed "What Is this place even suppose to be?" "I don't know Aria maybe for once you can stop and- Sonata what are you doing?!" "I have to go!" Whined Sonata as she lifted the lid on the toilet. "NOT IN FRONT OF US YOU AIRHEAD!" Yelled Aria. "WHO YOU CALLING-" They stopped as they noticed a head on a long neck was emerging from the toilet with a wide creepy grin. It stared for a moment before it began singing. "Skibidi dop dop dop yes yes, Skibidi dopity YEET YEET-" The Dazzlings screamed before Sonata flushed the handle and his head went spinning down. Adagio walked up cautiously. "How did you know that would work?" she asked. "I uh didn't?" Sonata sheepishly replied. "Ok I don't know what was more bizarre that creepy face or that cringe song." Said Aria. "Skibidi Skibidi Skibidi Skibidi Skibidi Skibidi" The Dazzlings paled and looked down the street. It was there they saw more of those singing toilets with human heads on long necks. They looked like they were sliding on the street. Sonata whispered to Adagio. "Run?" "Run!" The Dazzlings ran down the street screaming as the strange toilets followed them. Above one of the tall buildings a horned hooded figured watched before opening a portal. "Music is the language that speaks to everyone, but it's also a tool to test one's spirit." He walked in and closed it. > Anon-a-miss: Joy of Celebration Part 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cold, Pain, Sadness, and Fatigued. Those were the things Sunset Shimmer felt as she treaded through the snow. She tried to prove her innocence when an online account posed as her and started spreading dirty secrets throughout the school. No matter what she tried, no one would listen to her. Not even her best friends. All she did after her failed attempt at the café was to write a letter to Twilight saying she's sorry and she couldn't do much anymore. She didn't have a home to go back to because her friends originally planed to have her stay in their homes until they could buy her an apartment but sadly after all that has happened, it is most likely she wont be let in to anyone. Now she was alone wandering the streets of town only to see the orange sky becoming black, feeling the weather getting colder, and the snow coming down. She shivered despite the layers she was wearing. She couldn't stay out for long. She needed shelter because now the cold was giving her more pain than she could stand. "Someone! Help! Please! I don't wanna die..." She collapsed into the snow feeling the snowflakes covering her like a blanket. The last thing she saw before passing out was a human figure approaching her and a large lighted sign with a cartoon bear on it. ========================== "Was this really a good idea Mike?" "Hey. I'm not one to leave people outside on a night like this. Now go back to your stage she's probably waking up now and I don't want you and your pals to overwhelm her." That's what Sunset was hearing as she began to regain conciseness. The first thing she felt was warmth as she felt she was under some blanket. She removed it and looked around finding herself inside what looked like an office room sitting in some chair. She then heard footsteps coming from her right as a man came in with two paper cups. The man looked slightly older than her. He was wearing what looked like a security guard uniform. His hat had the words 'Fazbear Security' on it and he had a name tag that said 'Mike Schmidt'. "Oh good you're awake. Here drink this hot chocolate. You're gonna need more than that blanket to warm you up." He said offering her one of the cups. Sunset took the cup and slowly sipped it. "Thank you." The man named Mike grabbed a second chair and pulled it in front of her before sitting down. "What's a girl like you doing out there at night, and with this weather raging?" Sunset looked down as the memories leading up to it came back. "It's a long story." "Well we got a long night before the weather even calms down. So why don't you tell me what's on your mind?" Sunset sighed and told him everything. As she spoke, Mike was not the only one listening. Outside the office stood an animatronic. It resembled a red fox but had an eye patch, a hook on of it's hands and torn brown pants. It made him look more like a pirate. But the oddest part of all, it was alive. It listened to the conversation between the two. To the living animatronic fox it plucked at his metallic heartstrings. ============== In another room there was a stage where three more animatronics stood. A brown bear, a purple rabbit, and a yellow chicken. They were alive too and they saw the man dragged the unconscious girl into the place. The bear tried to intervene only for him to be told off. The heads of all three perked up when they heard the sound of feet and saw the fox walked up to them. "Foxy? Were you eavesdropping on those two?" Asked the bear. "Aye, I was Freddy but I learned something awful about that girl." Said the fox in a pirate accent. Freddy sighed "What do you know?" =================== "And that's how I ended up on the street." Finished Sunset. "Tough story girl, sorry about your school. Is there anything I can do to make you more comfortable here while we wait out the night?" Asked Mike. Sunset sighed as she looked down at the half empty cup of hot chocolate. "There is one thing I want but I doubt you of all people can help me with that." Mike leaned in. "Try me." “All I wanted for Christmas was to feel like I belonged, like a family. I barely knew my parents, and the only one I considered a mother I ran away from and well lost contact. You don’t need to hear about my personal problems.” “No no I totally get you. My mom died when I was a baby and my dad was barely around because he always worked and my older brother… he was a nightmare to live with. But hard to believe I found someplace where I do belong with those that do care. You know maybe you should meet them. They’ll definitely love you.” Sunset perked up. “Wait so you’re willing to take me into your home? You barely know me. No offense but as much as I appreciated you saving me from the snow, I don’t like the idea of wandering into a stranger’s home.” “Well to be honest you’re technically already in the home of my extended family.” “What do you mean?” A series of heavy footsteps reached the small office. It was then Sunset noticed four pairs of glowing eyes from the two doorways. Sunset started to get a little worried but the man just gave her a warm smile and said only one thing. “Accept it or not, and maybe just for tonight, I like to welcome you to the Fazbear family.” > Joy of Celebration Part 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Apple bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo strolled through the halls of CHS. Afternoon was here and they were on thier way to meet up with the Rainbooms to go home. One of them was wearing a huge triumphant grin on her face. The other two not looking so excited. Sweetie Belle broke the silence. “Uh Apple Bloom we need to talk.” “What’s there to talk about? Our plan has worked and now we just need to worry about these last few days of school and it’s long winter break with our sisters.” “Yeah but don’t you think our plan to get rid of Sunset might’ve worked too well?” Asked Sweetie Belle. “What she’s saying is, we think we took things too far.” Said Scootaloo. “Oh come on don’t tell you two are gonna back out now? Now be reasonable, who do you think is going to believe Sunset after how our sisters reacted?” Apple Bloom’s question was answered as they approached the music room. “ARE YOU KIDDING ME!? YOU ALL DID WHAT?!” Apple Bloom jumped and peeked through the door. There were the remaining five Rainbooms all of which looked like they saw something get hit by a train. With them was what looked like an infuriated Twilight Sparkle. "Now Twilight try to understand this from our perspecti-" "Don't you dare make an excuse Applejack. I thought I could trust you all to keep her safe, to teach her, to be her friend, not throw her out first chance you get! And all this was because of a few post. I mean look at this! Would Sunset actually make it look like her? If this ain't poor planning I don't know what is." "Huh. Now that I think about it doesn't make sense for Sunset to do this." Said Pinkie. "YOU THINK?!" Exclaimed Twilight. "Ok if Sunset didn't post those secrets who did?" Asked Rainbow Dash. "I don't know were there other people like family who knew your secrets or maybe someone stole Sunset's phone when she wasn't looking?" Applejack thought for a moment. "Now that you mention it I did say it to... oh my stars she didn't." Rarity pondered for a bit. "We were having the party at my house and the only other person with us was... wait she couldn't have." Rainbow Dash looked at the two and then remembered her team was not the only team on the soccer field during practice. "Oh my God OF COURSE!" Suddenly Sweetie Belle bursts through the door followed by her two other friends. "Sweetie NO!" "YES it was all us!" She exclaimed. "WHAT!?" Everyone yelled. "But I don't understand why?" Asked Applejack tears were starting to form in her eyes. Apple bloom sighed "We were jealous you were spending so much time with Sunset I thought if you could see she was mean again you'd spend more time with me." "Jealousy? JEALOUSY?! Is that your reason?!" Snapped Applejack. "Yeah I was jealous too so I stole Sunset's phone that night at the sleepover." Explained Sweetie. Rarity facepalmed in disappointment. Rainbow Dash simply walked up to Scootaloo her fists shaking with rage. "What's your excuse?" "You said you would practice with me but you were always busy after school when they told me their plan things added up. But then I found out you were attending tutoring lessons to make up for the bad grades." SLAP! Scootaloo was now on the ground a huge red handprint was on her face. Everyone gasped. Rarity immediately looked at Rainbow. "Darling have you gone mad?!" "She's lucky that's the worst I'll do to her. Imagine how her aunts will punish her or how her parents will react when they come home from Australia!" "ENOUGH! Right now we need to find Sunset and then you three are going to confess to Everyone." "Uh Twilight, that won't be necessary." Said Fluttershy "Why?" Fluttershy pointed to the door and there stood Flash Sentry, Derpy, Lyra, Bonbon, and Microchip who had his phone and was recording everything. Flash rolled his eyes "I knew it. I should've tried to help her." He said with sadness and regret. Derpy patted his shoulder in comfort. They all left the doorway, Lyra casted a hateful look at the real anon-a-miss, everyone in the music room was speechless. Twilight sighed. "Ok what's now more important is finding Sunset do you girls know where she is?" "We haven't seen her all day. Either she decided to not come or she's been avoiding everyone while being stealthy. But I do still have her in my contacts so we can find her through the find my phone app. It's how I find all my friends." Said Pinkie as she pulled out her phone. "Great any luck?" asked Twilight. "Huh strange it looks like Sunset is close to the west part of town and is walking up Afton Street." "Good, at least we know she's alive and she didn't freeze to death." Said Twilight as she casted a glare at the others. "Ok it looks like she stopped and is- huh that's weird. Why would she be there?" "At where?" asked Rainbow. Pinkie showed them her phone and Sunset's current location was revealed. She was currently inside Freddy Fazbear's Pizza. > Joy of Celebration Part 3 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The group stood outside the doors of Freddy Fazbear's Pizza. The sun was beginning to set and the snow was starting to lightly fall. For some reason the whole group had a deep ominous feeling just by looking up at the neon lights and the front door that displayed the hours as well as a poster of special offers. Pinkie was the first to break the silence. "I haven't been here in years. I wonder if Chica and Foxy still remember me." Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. "Pinkie they're robots with big memories and your hair is a dead giveaway. Looks like despite closing hours some of the lights are still on." Rarity walked up to the doors. "Great, now lets go inside and find Sunset." But just as Rarity was about to reach for the door she felt a hand on her shoulder. It was Twilight who had a look of disappointment. "No we're going to the coffee shop across the street. We all still need to talk about abandoning a friend in need and what you'll say to her." "You mean we're not going in there yet?" asked Applejack. "Not yet but they are." Said Twilight gesturing to Apple Bloom and her friends. "What? Why us?" Asked Apple Bloom. "Your mess! You fix it! Now get in there!" Snapped Twilight. Scootaloo put one hand on the door. "But the doors might be locked-" Suddenly Scootaloo fell backward, pulling the door open. It looks like it wasn't locked. Despite some lights being on the inside looked barely visible. Twilight said nothing but pointed inside. The girls went inside only for the doors to slowly close shut. They went deeper into the restaurant. No sooner had the older teens left for the coffee shop, a mysterious figure walked up to the door and locked it without anyone noticing, the figure grinned. "Party time..." ============================ The girls strolled through the main dining area, taking a moment to see the three characters on stage looking motionless. "So have you two been here before?" Asked Apple Bloom. "Only once during my fifth birthday. That was when I first met Scootaloo." Explained Sweetie Belle. "Geez and Pirate's cove is still shut down." Said Scootaloo as she looked towards a smaller stage in the dining area with the sign saying out of order. Suddenly the remaining lights turned off. Leaving the place dark with only the outside casting a glow in the place. "Great now this place is closed. How do we find a lost girl here?" Said Scootaloo. "Look I see a light down that hall." Said Sweetie who pointed to a hallway, where there was a light at the end. The three girls rushed down only to see an empty office with a security monitor, a desk fan, and a phone. They walked inside only to hear a click from the phone. "You have one new message." "Hello? I wanted to leave you a message tonight because it's a company safety policy that I remind you of the risk to you as a night guard. Ever since rebranding, we know they no longer attack you but they might still see an intruder as a metal endo skeleton without it's costume on." The girls looked at the phone in confusion and a little worry. "Now I know some people like the idea of dressing up as animals, but trust me you don't want yourself or anyone to be stuffed into a suit with wires, crossbeams, and animatronic devices in there. But we might fix that issue one day, unlike that burger joint up the road that will probably never fix their ice cream machine, despite promising. Anyway see you next year. Oh and uh Merry Christmas." The three girls looked at each other in alarm. Sweetie Belle was the first to break out of her worried trance. "I thought it was all a rumor to shut this place down!" "That's what I thought too. Maybe we won't be seen as skeletons, I mean look at us we're smaller than them." Said Apple Bloom trying to calm her friends down. Just then they heard heavy footsteps and there, standing at the doorway to their right was Freddy Fazbear. "Hi kids, it’s your friend Freddy and remember it's not nice to say bad things behind people's back." The three knew they couldn't reach the door control without getting grabbed. They backed away slowly to the other door leading to the left hallway only to bump into another animatronic. "Hi kids it's your bunny buddy Bonnie here. Let’s try to be friendly and not do mean things to others." The three girls felt cornered. Scootaloo still felt they could get away. "It's three against two right? At least the duck isn't here. heh." "Chica is a chicken you bully." said Bonnie. The girls paled, they thought they were speaking prerecorded show lines. "The heck did you just-" SKREEEEEEEEE "AH Someone help!" Screamed Scootaloo as Bonnie the bunny grabbed her and held her tight against his body. Freddy leaned in and did the same thing to Sweetie Belle. "Apple Bloom Help!" Apple Bloom looked between the two robots that had her friends but instead of trying to help she duct past Bonnie and into the halls. "Sorry girls I'll come back for you!" "WHAT?! SOME FRIEND YOU ARE!" Screamed Scootaloo. Apple Bloom ran until she bumped into another. This one being a chicken who looked down at her in anger. "Did I hear someone calling me a duck? Come here!" Chica attempted to grab her but missed as Apple Bloom manage to dodge her and continued running down the hall and hid behind a curtain. "What the hay is going on? Did those things get Sunset?" She then noticed a treasure chest next to her and looked behind her at what looked like a deactivated Fox. "Guess you're not active since you're out of order. Maybe I can slip out through the back door." "ARGH ME MATEYS!" Apple Bloom stood straight up stiff as a board and turned to the fox who was now staring at her. "What?" "Rule breakers be walking the plank!" Said Foxy as he raised his hook hand ready to hit the girl but Apple Bloom jumped out of pirates cove. She ran through the dining as she heard the footsteps of the other robots as well as the sounds of struggling from her friends. "Have to hide! Here!" She then raced through a door labeled 'employees only backstage and storage' and slammed it shut. He put her ear to the door hearing the sounds of the robots. "Foxy have you seen the lost skeleton anywhere?" "I have Chica, but it looked like she didn't want to go treasure hunting for her suit with me." "Never mine her for now you two. We still have two more skeletons right here to deal with. Let's take them to parts and service and fix them." Said the voice of Freddy. The muffling of Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo could be heard. Apple Bloom knew she had to leave and get help. She soon saw the back door after a bit of searching but then she found out something she didn't think about. "It's locked! Where's the key?" "Hello..." Said a robotic yet raspy voice. Apple Bloom turned and saw, not a animatronic, but what looked like a women in a rabbit costume. It was mostly white with a few mismatched patches. The mask had red eyes and an evil looking grin. She was holding a knife in her hand. Apple Bloom just stared at the white rabbit lady as she asked her a question. "Are you having fun yet?" > Joy of Celebration Part 4 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Apple Bloom slowly woke up. Her memory was a blur. The last thing she remembered was a humanoid figure skipping towards her before feeling something soft against her face. The moment she fully awakened, she felt something against her body and looked down. She was tied to a chair by rope. She started to struggle until she heard a sarcastic voice. "So you did came back and without help." She then noticed a rather annoyed Scootaloo and a saddened Sweetie Belle, both of which were tied up. She smiled sheepishly and looked around. All around her she saw nothing but robot parts and what looked like a costume laying behind a huge crate. "Wait, where are we?" She asked. "We're in parts and service idiot." Snapped Scootaloo. "Wait if we're all here then does that mean..." "You'll end up just like me..." said a groggy voice. They all turned their heads and saw a figure rise from behind the crate. It looked like Freddy but it was a yellow and had a purple hat and bowtie. It was covered in a red substance and was missing it's eyes. It got up and stood like a zombie. "Your body may die in this suit but your spirit won't. They will never let you leave..." They all recognized his voice as the guy on the phone. Just then the doors opened and all four animatronics and the white rabbit came in. The white rabbit looked at her captors in a stance that looked like excitement. "Perfect, now that the guest are here we can get this party started." She then skipped over to a box and pulled out what looked like a head of a blue rabbit animatronic. It looked smaller than Bonnie's but inside one could easily see the devices that could clamp down on a skull. She then walked up to the girls. "Now lets see who goes first... Eeny...meeny...miny... YOU!" She pointed to Apple Bloom who was now shaking with fear. The rabbit was about to place the rabbit head on her head when she stopped. "Oh how rude of me. You're all the guests of honor, do you all have a final wish, words, or even a prayer?" Apple Bloom could only shiver as she finally spoke. "I wish I could go back in time and stop myself from ever making that blasted account. I was a bad sister, a horrible friend and a petty, jealous, idiotic, cyber bully!" There was a tense silence in the room. The rabbit put the blue head down. "That's all I wanted to hear. Perhaps there's room for your redemption yet. Right guys?" The three girls were now confused. They looked up at the white rabbit as she turned to the other four robots as they nodded. "Oh man I haven't done something like that in a while." Said Bonnie. Freddy Chuckled "And you made quite a good show of it. Didn't think your scream was still intact." "Chica, did you miss her on purpose?" asked Foxy. "What? I had to make sure you had some fun. I knew she would try to hide in your cove." said Chica. "What is going on?" asked Sweetie Belle. The white rabbit turned back to them and removed her mask. The first thing they noticed was the red and yellow hair followed by a familiar face. "Man it's hard keeping all my hair in that mask." Said Sunset. "True but you acted pretty well in that suit." Said the yellow Freddy as he removed the mask to reveal Mike Schmidt, who looked down at the red substance. "Lets hope we still have enough pizza sauce for tomorrow." "WHAT!?" Exclaimed the girls. Sunset Shimmer sighed. "Allow me to explain. After I ran away, I passed out in the snow and woke up here. I started forming a connection with this guy and these characters and it turns out these robots are alive with some of the best AI in the country if not the world. They just had a small glitch that Mike here managed to fix. I also saw your little confession thanks to Microchip. Flash Sentry sent me the link to it. At first I wanted to no longer have anything to do with CHS but after that video I wanted a little payback for what you did. So I had my new extended family set up this charade based on the stories and rumors you heard about this place." "So these robots aren't possessed by dead children like the ghost stories?" asked Scootaloo. "There were kidnappings in the area before but those kids have been found." Explained Freddy. "What about the bite of eighty seven?" Asked Sweetie Belle. "Lots of things happened in the eighties. That so called game on the internet was made by a previous night guard before me. He was so scared and fascinated he wanted to use his experience and game mechanics to tell a story. He had to put a twist on things though. Hard to believe most of the sales of that game were donated here and it kept this place in business." Explained Mike. "Were our sisters in on this too?" Asked Apple Bloom. "No, after I knocked you out cold with chloroform they were banging on the door. After I managed to explain things they agreed to wait until we were done with you. Heck Twilight was beginning to blame herself for sending you three in here." Said Sunset "Why would they let you do that?" Asked Apple Bloom. "I told them if they didn't let me I won't ever forgive them or give them a chance to make things right with me." Apple Bloom couldn’t believe it. All this horror was just a revenge scheme. “So does that mean you forgive us?” Sunset put the mask back on. “Does this look like the face of forgiveness?” Apple Bloom eyes went wide and she shivered. Sunset removed the mask and frowned. “You three made quite a mess of my reputation and the whole school. It’s going to be a while before I could EVER forgive you. But if you really want to make it up to me. You’ll have to face my other punishment I have for you.” The three girls gulped. ============== “Sorry I didn’t come to you sooner.” Said Twilight. "It's fine you're a busy pony and I can't expect you to drop everything and come here, especially at this time of year." Said Sunset. The two girls were sitting in the dining area together with the robots either cleaning the place or fixing themselves. Mike went to the parts and service for some reason while everyone else went home. "Still I can't believe you did something like that. It was scary even for me." "Hey, old habits die hard." Said Sunset. Twilight just sighed as she stood up. "Well you're right about one thing, I'm busy but I always try to make time for my friends. I got to get back to mine soon. You coming?" "Tell Fluttershy I'll meet up at her house later. It's better I sleep without easily jealous siblings around. Plus I got a bit more to do here." Said Sunset. "I'm sure they deeply regret it. Especially after what you did. But I'll let Fluttershy know. Bye" "See ya." ======================= "You know I should thank you, ever since you came here this small project of mine has picked up speed and it should be ready by Christmas." said Mike as he screwed in some parts on an endoskeleton. "It was no problem, so this character was the reason the cove shut down?" Asked Sunset. "That pirate show was never meant to be a solo show. With your help not only it comes back but our pal Foxy will be happy to see her again. Hand me her mask." Sunset reached into the crate and handed Mike the head of a white fox with a pink muzzle. > Joy of Celebration Epilogue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The trio walked out of Freddy Fazbear on Christmas eve. They were all exhausted, however one of them had a bit of custard on her face. As they walked along the road. Sweetie Belle turned towards Scootaloo. "What did Sunset and Freddy have you do?" "Clean the dining area and bathrooms. How about you? What's with the custard?" asked Scootaloo. =================== EARLIER THAT DAY Freddy addressed the kids. "Alright kiddies time for our next party game and yes it involves those pies Chica told you not to eat. Hey Sweet Tooth the clown come on up we got a present for you." Sweetie Belle walked up dressed like a clown and putting on a forced smile. Freddy gave her a card and told her to read it aloud. "Merry Christmas we give you joy and...custard pies? Let me have them." She said but knew where it was going. "You heard her kids and remember bonus points for a headshot!" Sweetie could've sworn but some of the audience members were students from CHS. ====================== "And what's more awkward is Rarity made me that silly outfit. At least we're talking more. My Dad nearly popped a vein and my Mom won't make me her holiday cookies." Scootaloo scoffed "You think that's bad? My parents nearly wanted to take me to Australia with them but Surprisingly Sunset, Rainbow, and Principal Celestia managed to convince them to let me stay. My aunt Holiday didn't stop crying for hours when I told her and Auntie Lofty. In addition to Freddy's, Rainbow is now acting more like coach Spitfire and giving me drills." They both turned to Apple Bloom. They know what punishment she was given. Additional chores on the farm, and a big spanking from her grandmother. They were still allowed to attend the holiday party but under the condition they clean up afterwards. At Freddy's she was forced to dress up in a bear costume and stand outside with a sign. It was surprisingly warm in that costume but many CHS students either taunted her or threw stuff at her. All they knew is they had to put up with this and detention for the rest of the school year. "Next time you want to rope us into a scheme involving the internet, remind to say no." Said Sweetie Belle. "Yeah, and remind me to punch you." Said Scootaloo. "Duly noted." Groaned Apple Bloom. ===================== Foxy walked into parts and service. Sunset told him she and Mike had a surprise for him. As he stepped in he saw something leaning against the wall. It was covered in a sheet. He stepped closer to it. "Well that's peculiar." Suddenly the sheet let out a giggling sound. Foxy's eyes widened. "That laugh. It can't be...Mangle?" Foxy pulled the sheet and there standing before him was a white vixen animatronic with a pink muzzle and underbelly. It looked at him with a kind smile. Foxy noticed the tag attached to her. 'To Foxy From Mike and Sunset. Pirates Cove is coming back soon.' Foxy was so happy he embraced the vixen. "I missed you so much my pearl of the sea." Mangle returned the hug. "I missed you too my swashbuckling sweetheart." ============== Sunset sat outside on the porch of Applejack's house. She was sending a message to Twilight in the journal saying she's slowly regaining the trust of her friends and that she's at the Christmas party with everyone along with a special someone that helped her. Ever since that night at Freddy's the whole school showered her with apologies, gifts, and even money to finally get her own apartment. Though, those were nothing compared to the best gift she got. "My dearest friend." sang a nearby voice. It was Mike the young night guard . "If you don't mind." "I'd like to join you by your side." "Where we can gaze into the stars." Sunset joined in on singing as she stood up and walked up to him. "And sit together" "now and forever" "for it is plain as anyone can see" "We're simply meant to be." The two shared an embrace so warm it could melt snow. Not too far away a hooded figure watched. "What happens in the dark always comes to light and sometimes what comes out emerges something just as bright as the light." The hooded figure opened a portal and walked in before closing it. > Starlight Glimmer: Flaws of Equality Part 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A red earth pony mare stood by the end of a section of train track with a wagon. She of course was waiting for a train. When it finally came she put on a bright smile as the train came to a stop and the engineer climbed down. The mare named Swoon Song walked up to him. "Good Morning Rapid Run got your weekly post. Have you given anymore thought of joining our cause?” Rapid Run sighed as he opened a boxcar to drop off a crate. "For the last time Swoon Song, I'm happy with my cutie mark and my job and no amount of words can change my mind. Anyway there's an issue now going around Equestria apparently some strange anomalies have been seen in small towns and this crate has, not only the mail for your town, but books that should give more info oh also fliers for six missing mares." Swoon Song twitched as he spoke and helped lift the crate into the wagon. "Oh well I'm sure if we find missing ponies, we'll find them and I'll let Starlight Glimmer know. Bye Rapid.” ================ In the small town many ponies gathered around the crate. Some have gotten their mail but Starlight Glimmer just grimaced at the missing pony fliers. The ponies that were missing were Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends. The same mares that tried to disrupt her equal utopia merely a week ago. She just threw them away as she pulled out the book about the ongoing threat that is happening. The book was titled 'Dangers of Alternates by Night Watch.' She opened it and began reading aloud. "Alternates are mysterious beings that are capable of luring and destroying prey through many forms of Psychological warfare. These alternates can make themselves look like ponies much like changelings can do, but they can only mimic the decease loved one of their prey. When encountering alternates do not let them into your home no matter how convincing they sound and refrain from communicating with them." Starlight was confused if these things found their village how can she trust anypony? She continued reading. "While they make themselves look like ponies they can actually be distinguished by their abnormal biological characteristics." On one page she saw the silhouette of a pony with a simple smile that was labeled normal but below that were three more with either a big head, very long legs, or a very sinister smile that looked like the lips were touching the ears. Those three were labeled alternates. "Ok this is creepy." She continued reading about alternates not knowing what was about to happen to her way of life. But as she read she saw a framed picture of a grey alicorn wearing a white robe hanging on the wall. "Was that always there?" =========================== Later that night many of the ponies were tucked away sleeping. Inside one house was a stallion named Arrow Cartwheel. He was a very strong supporter to Starlight's cause. He was getting ready for bed when he heard a knock on the door. As he got close he heard a voice. "Honey, I have a present for you." Arrow stopped dead in his tracks and looked at a frame picture of his younger self with an older mare that was his mother. His mother died years ago and the voice at the door was hers. "Mom? Is that you?" There was a brief silence until the voice came back. "Honey, I have a present for you." Arrow trotted to the door and slowly opened it and there stood the mare that raised him but something was different. He didn't remember her eyes being so big and he certainly didn't remember her mouth being so wide. He stared in shock before uttering. "You're not her. Who are you?" The pony just unhinged her jaw like a snake and made a screaming sound before lunging at him, forcing him back inside and slamming the door closed. ===================== KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK "Starlight Wake up we got an emergency!" Exclaimed Double Diamond as he pounded on Starlight's door. Starlight eventually opened it. "Did our prisoners escape?" "No they're still in the house." "Then what's the problem. Its five in the morning." Groaned Starlight. "It's Arrow! He's trying to kill himself!" They both raced to the center of town where many ponies were trying to hold Arrow down. "What is going on here?" Asked Starlight. "He broke into my bakery and tried to kill himself with my knife. He wouldn't stop talking about his mother and disappointment." Explained Sugar Belle. Starlight Glimmer just looked at Arrow as he continued to struggle against the ponies restraining him. He eventually calmed down and was soon sent home. Starlight didn't know what to make of this. All she knows is, if this is what an Alternate is capable of then this town might be in trouble. > Flaws of Equality Part 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- By now everypony has read the books and were now were now fully aware of the dangers now facing them. Starlight Glimmer had a curfew setup. All ponies need to be inside their homes by sundown, no exceptions. Anypony caught outside will either be ignored or treated with hostility depending on behavior. So far, for three nights, ponies were being visited by alternates claiming to be a dead relative or friend. They even managed to mimic dead pets from a dog's bark to a cat's meow. Starlight was inside after taking a bath. She made sure nopony was looking before putting on her fake equal cutie mark. After putting the spray paint on she looked to the strange alicorn painting and dropped the can in shock. The face that was once a look of contempt now shown an insane and sadistic smile. "What in Celestia?" "I once have deceived the sisters." Said a voice that sounded like a raspy whisper. Starlight could only look around in shock and confusion. "Just like how you have deceived them." Said the voice again. Just then the lights went out for a second before turning back on again. Starlight looked in shock as the strange painting was now gone. Now panicking she was now filled with lots of questions. What was with that painting? Did it make those voices? Was that a different kind of alternate? And more importantly does it know her past? She couldn't think straight with all those questions and more and she barely sleep at all that night. =========================== The next day she woke up to hear a commotion outside. "Come on Feather Bangs be reasonable." Said Double Diamond. "NO! I'm sick and tired of hearing my late Grandpa's voice at night. And my friends here can say the same." Starlight looked and saw Feather Bangs and three mares loading up a wagon. Amongst the cargo were jars of their cutie marks. She immediately went outside. "What is going on here? Feather Bangs why are you and these three loading up this wagon of your belongings and why do you have your cutie marks? They're suppose to be in the vault!" "I'm sorry Starlight but me and my friends can't stay here. After all that happened for the past three days. We can't do this." Feather said. He then pointed to the purple pegasus adjusting the straps on the wagon load. "Fond Feather here got a letter from her Dad saying there are none of these alternates in Manehattan so we're going there." "Ok but why do you have your cutie marks? Wait are you four..." The four ponies nodded as a green unicorn walked up. "We're sorry Starlight but in all honesty we were actually happy with our talents and last night I heard the voice of my dead Aunt. She says I'm making a mistake. I know these alternates are suppose to trick ponies but for once I think they're right." Feather Bangs cleared his throat. "Come on ladies lets go. I want to get to Manehattan before sunset." The four began to leave but Starlight chased after them. "WAIT! Don't go! What about our mission!? Somepony STOP THEM!" She yelled only to suddenly trip and watch them go. Nopony moved at all. All they could do was watch four ponies leave. Some were wondering if they should leave as well. Pack up their stuff and take their cutie marks too. Starlight got up and slowly walked back to her house. In the distance she could hear the distant sound of glass jars breaking. Just like that, Starlight lost four members of her community and cause. Inside another house Twilight Sparkle and her friends watched through a window. They have watched these alternates come to the houses for the past few nights but none approached the one they were held captive in. "Twilight, what is happening?" asked Applejack. "I think whatever is going on is making everypony slowly wake up." > Flaws of Equality Part 3 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Four more nights went by. Four more grueling, haunting nights, and to Starlight, they were getting worst. It wasn't worst because the alternates keep getting more aggressive in their attempts to enter ponies home. It was worst for her because ponies kept leaving with their cutie marks. Everyday the population of the town kept shrinking little by little. Until it was her, the prisoners, and four other ponies. One night she called a meeting with the remaining members who were Sugar Belle, Night Glider, Party Favor, and Double Diamond. "Thank you all so much for coming to spend the night with me. I know these past few nights have not been easy for you guys." Sugar Belle spoke up, her face full of concern. "We're happy to be with you Starlight but we actually wanted to talk to you about-" "Starlight you up there?" Said a voice from the door that led to the basement. The five ponies just stared at the door in shock. They knew it was an alternate. How did an alternate get in her house and into the basement? The voice then started humming a song. Starlight picked up a stick that was the staff of sameness. She wasn't going to use it to make an equal but instead use it like a melee weapon. "Ok I've had enough. Time to do this my way?" Double Diamond grabbed her by the shoulder. "Starlight I don't think that's a good idea. Maybe we should just hide upstairs." "No! These things have disrupted our way of life and its time to show them whose boss." She said. "Starlight don't you think these things are trying to tell us something?" asked Night Glider. "What's that suppose to mean?" Snapped Starlight. "I mean these things just showed up after we imprisoned those six ponies from Ponyville. It's like they don't want to see a princess and her friends locked up." Explained Night glider. "I wouldn't care if these things worshipped Celestia or Luna. They're unequal and I have to set the law down." "Starlight listen to us! You're no more invincible than anypony here. You may be a good leader but this is far out of our control. We can't keep acting like we're all beneath this darkness." Exclaimed Party Favor, "What are you guys even saying?" Asked Starlight. The four looked at each other and Sugar Belle, using her magic, levitated four jars out of her bag which had their respected cutie marks. Starlight's jaw just dropped. Double looked at her. "We wished you never took our cutie marks in the first place. Because like everypony has been saying we were happy doing the things we liked." Starlight Stammered. "B-but I-" Night Glider stopped her. "And we are sorry it all had to come to this. But Starlight if you go down those stairs you might as well be joining your dead mother." "Yeah and if by some miracle you come back out from that basement you will not be the same." Said Party Favor. "Or at least you might as well be one of them disguised as yourself." Said Sugar Belle. Double Diamond sighed "As for us, we will not be here to confirm that." Starlight growled in anger and just looked at the four with fury. "Then just go ahead and leave then! JUST LEAVE!" The remaining four left and now Starlight Glimmer was alone. She took the staff and opened the basement door. The humming stopped. She slowly went downstairs into the dark basement using her horn as a light source. She then saw a lantern and lit it up with a match. She then saw a record playing and it started playing music. The music sounded like something from a nursery or an old music box. Then she heard a voice. It sounded like the same raspy whisper she heard but it was morphed with her mother. "What have you done?" Somehow Starlight felt less mad and felt a more ominous and slight depressing feeling. "I did what I could." "No one is coming to help you." Said the voice of her mother sounding clearer. Starlight somehow felt tears welling up in her ears. "Do you understand?" asked the voice. Suddenly the music stopped and the light in the basement suddenly turned on. There right in front of her was the alicorn from the painting. It looked at her with a sinister smile. It was the one all the villagers had only worst. Starlight no longer felt powerful or equal she now felt lower than anything. The light flickered and now she was surrounded by alternates that looked like her mother. All she could do was scream. ==================== Twilight Sparkle heard the scream and looked outside. She saw four ponies rushing to the house they were trapped in. The door unlocked and they entered they were carrying six jars. Twilight and her friends just stared at them. "How?" she asked. "We'll explain later we have to leave now." Said Double Diamond. "What about Starlight?" asked Fluttershy. "She's trying to take on those things alone." Said Night Glider. Twilight gasped and raced towards her house. The others followed her. When Twilight found the basement she saw Starlight on the floor looking petrified. The staff was broken and in splinters. There was a black smear on her flank. Twilight touched it and found something shocking. "No way. You were never equal and the staff was just a stick." Starlight said nothing as everypony else came in looking at her. Twilight sighed and looked around only to see a painting of the alicorn with a look of content. After reclaiming her mark, she lifted Starlight Glimmer with her magic to take her outside. > Flaws of Equality Epilogue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A few days later Twilight Sparkle was in Sugarcube corner with her five best friends and her four new friends from the village. It took a lot of explaining to Princess Celestia, but despite being a part of Starlight's scheme, she decided not to press charges on them. They soon began investigating her past and thanks to Luna's dream walk she was able to uncover a few memories. "So what did Princess Celestia do to Starlight?" asked Night Glider. "Considering her mental state and what she did we both agreed its best she would be locked up in a magic proof mental hospital. Don't worry she's being treated quite well considering." Explained Twilight. "At least on the bright side we can do things better than what we did before." Said Double Diamond. "You said it, these two have great talents, you know I am looking for somepony to help me with balloon animals and maybe in the kitchen." Said Pinkie who had her hooves around Party Favor and Sugar Belle. "I'll take my balloon talent anywhere any day." Said Party Favor as he pulled a balloon dog from out of nowhere. "I suppose I can stay in this town for a while, maybe we can make more friends." She said as she looked out the window to see a certain red stallion pass by with a wagon. Twilight smiled softly. "Well then, I think I speak for all of us when I say welcome to Ponyville, new friends." =========================== "Wake up patient, you have a visitor." Said a guard as he attached a chain to a still drowsy Starlight Glimmer. Starlight has somewhat recovered from the attack she endured but ever since she was admitted to the hospital she became suicidal and was now on watch with heavy guard. She silently followed the guard to a room full of tables and a couple of vending machines where there was somepony waiting for her. An orange unicorn stallion wearing glasses. Starlight tensed upon seeing him. Memories of her past came surging through her like a flood. The stallion placed down a book he was reading and looked to the unicorn. "Hello old friend." Starlight Stammered, a few tears trickled down her face as she uttered the name of the stallion with her. "Sunburst?" ======================== That night Twilight Sparkle was walking the halls of her castle alongside Spike. It had been a long day."Sorry I didn't come to help sooner. Wish I could've remembered where you went." Said Spike. Twilight patted his head. "Don't worry about it. At least something did come to save us." "Yeah its strange, there were a few alternate sightings here in Ponyville but they all disappeared the moment you were free. Where do you think they came from?" Asked Spike. "I guess we'll never know." Said Twilight But as they passed by the room with the map table they didn't notice the gray alicorn watching them walk by through an open door. The alicorn then walked towards the map table and climbed on. With a glow of it's horn it slowly sank into the table like a ghost. Outside through a window a hooded horned figure watched as he opened a portal. "For people born of the same matter, they are always different from each other." He walked in and closed it. > Storm King and Tempest: War from afar Part 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The city of Canterlot was what many would now consider a city in fear and imprisonment. Strange looking creatures wandered the city patrolling and forcing ponies to do their bidding. Amongst the imprisoned were the six heroes along with a cat from Kludgetown, a young dragon and a young hippogriff. There plan to take back the city failed. All they could do was watch the sad scene in sorrow. Princess Skystar looked to Twilight. "I'm sorry about my mom, she's so over protective I thought maybe-" "No don't its my fault. I panicked and didn't think clearly." Said Twilight sadly. "For what its worth I'm glad we're still together." Twilight said as she looked to her friends who were still with her. =========================== "Hahaha Monday again! Tuesday again! Wednesday again! Haha best thing ever!" Laughed the storm king as he continued playing with the sun and the moon with the scepter. "Great now that you have that can you now fix my horn?" asked Tempest Shadow who was growing somewhat impatient. "Yeah yeah I'll get to you soon." He said waving her off. Tempest Shadow sighed, she hoped her plans were worth it. How much more does she have to do before getting her horn back? ================================= Meanwhile in space a large wandering ship was observing the planet. Inside a strange alien creature walked into a large room on three legs in annoyance. "What is going on out there?! I cant sleep with the sun flashing in my view port. Are you guys playing with the teleporter?" "No commander, somehow the sun and the moon have been moving erratically. It seems the source isn't from those two alicorns we've been watching." Explained an alien as he handed his leader what looked like a strange pair of binoculars. The commander looked through and saw the strange looking bipedal creature in canterlot, playing with a strange scepter while a broken horn unicorn watched with annoyance. He then noticed the petrified statues of a few ponies as well as imprisoned ones. "So it finally happened, they have an enemy far powerful than them." "Commander are you suggesting we-" The commander raised an arm silencing him and turned to him. "Get some transporters ready. Send one to a place called Mount Aris and another to a field closer to Canterlot. It's time we no longer observe the planet, but now step in." "Sir do we really need to do this? We don't want to repeat the mistakes our ancestors suffered decades ago on the planet Earth." "They had it coming. They attacked an innocent species and weren't prepared for the atmosphere, now we do the opposite and we are prepared." =============================== Queen Novo looked everywhere for her daughter on the island of Mount Aris. She was now very afraid something bad may have happened to her. She was even more afraid that she might have left the ocean to help the ponies. Looking back she felt like she had some responsibility in what happened. "Maybe I should've at least trust those strangers with the pearl." She said to herself. She then heard a strange sound and looked up to the now night sky as a strange comet came shooting across the sky. However upon closer look it was actually a meteor. She gasped as she saw it crashed towards the shore line. "Guards! Come with me to investigate that meteorite!" They soon came to the crash site on the shore but when they got close they not only felt the heat from the space rock, but they also noticed something long emerging from the top. > War from Afar Part 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "I was so close and now I have to put up with this now." Groaned Tempest as she rode in a caravan being pulled by two storm creatures. She was about to ask the Storm King again when they saw a meteor crash land in a field a few miles away from the city. She was ordered to send a small squadron of troops and two ships to investigate. While she traveled with Grubber in the caravan, the two air ships armed with cannons were flying ahead to the crash site. All she could hope was that this better be worth it. The air ships traveled ahead further but stopped just above the crash site where the once red hot rock was now glowing green. Tempest pulled out a crystal that was used to communicate with the other ships. "Status report from the sky." "We see something emerging. It looks like some kind of eye, straw or something. Whatever it is, It's looking up at us." "Good hold your position until we-" Suddenly the caravan heard a strange noise and saw what looked like a red beam shooting at the ships. Then... BOOM! BOOM! To their horror the two airships that were once in the sky were suddenly falling and crashing in a giant blaze. Grubber was the first to shake out of his shock. "We might have to call in backup." "Yes and get the even heavier artillery we haven't used before." Said Tempest. Within a couple of hours a small army of storm creatures surrounded the crashed meteor using the hills, a nearby creek, and the destroyed ships for cover. They had weapons they didn't use when they attacked the city, from canons to tanks. Tempest and grubber hid near some bushes and trees. They could see the ominous green glow from over a hill. "Is the area secured?" She asked Grubber. "Yeah the entire thing is surrounded. Whatever is in there wont be able to see what's behind. Hey! Something is moving." They all looked and saw the straw like structure move out of the green glow. Followed by what looked like a strange body on barely visible legs. All Tempest could do was stare at this strange machine. "What is that? Some kind of space ship?" Asked Grubber. "No, it looks like it's barely keeping itself up on strange legs made of sparks. It's clear these things aren't from this world." "Maybe we can get them to join us. The king would like those laser weapons they have." Suggested Grubber. Tempest looked at him. "That thing took out two airships." "Look there's another one coming out!" Said another creature. He was right and it was slowly followed by a third one. Tempest knew this could only end in disaster. She looked back down at Grubber. "Order all to standby to fire." "But Tempest, shouldn't we at least try to show these guys we mean no harm." Tempest groaned. "If you're so certain these things can be allies, send three out with a white flag." Grubber did so and three creatures were send out into the open towards the three levitating machines. One creature waved the whiter flag back and fourth while another cleared his throat. "Hello, under the orders of Tempest Shadow we like to welcome you to the kingdom of the Storm King." One of the machines had it's straw like eye turned towards them. They had it's attention while the other two appeared to be looking at their surroundings. The creatures continued. "We would like for you to join our cause in enslavin-" Just like that the machine shot a ray from it's eye and within seconds the three were nothing more but piles of ashes. Grubber shrieked while Tempest turned to another creature that was holding a communication crystal. "Let em have it!" "FIRE!" Within seconds the entire area was filled with the sounds of explosions. The creatures shot everything they had at the machines that surprisingly weren't fighting back. Tempest was grinning knowing they were outnumbered but the joy was short lived as she noticed none of the machines were taking damage. Instead everything fired at them was bouncing off some kind of invisible shield. "What kind of magic and technology do these things have?" She asked in shock. She was about to find out as the three machines continued hovering where they stood. Then they started fighting back. Not just with red rays shooting but strange green sparks were being shot from what she assumed were the wing tips. She saw a charging group come into contact with the green sparks only for them to instantly stop, scream, glow green, and turn into skeletons. To say she was shocked was an understatement. She then saw one of them use it's red ray to turn an armored tank into ashes. It was there she now knew this wasn't working and turned back to Grubber. "Order all post, everyone fall back north to Canterlot city limits." Slowly all the storm creatures were fleeing the scene as fast as they could, with the strange machines still firing but slowly moving forward, following them. Tempest managed to get far away before realizing her goal to get her horn back only became more difficult. > War from Afar Part 3 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the throne room of Canterlot Castle the Storm King was not happy with the news he has received. "So let me get this straight, I trust you for a simple operation, only for you to, not only fail, but also lose a good majority of my strongest soldiers and equipment I sent here to begin with?" Questioned the Storm King with a raised brow. Grubber stood behind Tempest nervously as Tempest looked up to the king looking almost defeated. "Yes, our weapons had no effect on the enemy. They had some sort of protective shield surrounding them and the weapons they used were far stronger than anything I'd seen." The Storm King facepalmed in disappointment. "Well it's like what everyone says, if you want to fix a problem you got to do it yourself." He said as he stood up from his throne. "Sir, I doubt the scepter would help in that regard." "Hey, whose the King here who has the power to do anything like give you back something you lost?" Asked the Storm King. Tempest cleared her throat. "Yes about that, can we at least-" "First those invaders, then we'll talk." Said the King. ============================ Twilight Sparkle woke up in her cage to hear a strange sound like the one she heard last night. She looked up to see not one but three meteors shooting across the sky from what she is seeing they look like they might strike further away from Canterlot. She then saw Tempest walking with a weapon attached to her side. "Tempest wait! You don't know what you're doing anymore." "Don't try this again Princess or you'll be joining the other alicorns in the stone garden." Snapped Tempest. "But Tempest don't you think maybe just maybe the King could be lying to you. It's impossible for any form of magic to regrow a horn. It's far too complex." "He wouldn't, he promised me, once this threat is dealt with, I'll finally be whole again." Twilight slumped down feeling nothing will get through to her. ======================================== Somewhere in an unknown place two lifeforms were talking, a queen and a commander. "This is why we need your help. If this so called King continues, then this world will cease to exist and the water will evaporate from him messing with the sun." Queen Novo looked down in shame, tears were streaming down her face. "I thought hiding would keep us all safe from him, but all I did was turn us into cowards and I turned my back on a what could've been a savior." "There is still time. The power you have will make us even stronger, my kind will barely last a few days in this atmosphere, but with the pearl we can last longer and have a stronger immune system." The Queen sighed and levitated the pearl with her magic. "Very well, just promise me two things, save my daughter and don't make me regret this." The large headed leader smiled as he picked up the pearl already feeling the small effects of his insides. "Don't worry consider this an opportunity for us to build a bond from both our worlds." ============================= An even bigger army of creatures were marching through the land with even more airships flying above them. The King grinned from his carriage, feeling confident that this would go his way. He sighed in contempt but he suddenly then saw something ahead through a patch of trees. It was one of the fighting machines. "Airship 19, charge after that machine!" He yelled into a communication crystal. Tempest knew what would happen and was about to tell the king when she noticed something. The alien craft was turning away from them and started moving away. Tempest was confused why was it retreating when she saw one take out two ships? She didn't wonder for long because after both the alien craft and the air ship were out of sight after rounding a cliff side, she heard something over the communicator. "Your majesty... we have a big problem." "What? Did you find it's two buddies?" He asked with a smug grin. "No we found it's hundreds of buddies." The king raised a brow. "Wha-" "WE"RE OUTNUM-" BOOM! The entire army stopped when they heard and saw the explosion. Tempest hopped out and went ahead to investigate. The moment she peaked around the rocky crest of the mountain she couldn't believe her eyes. There, in a valley was, not only a destroyed ship, but were what looked like dozens of these machines hovering in place with what looked like three more approaching from the other side of the valley. She knew she was far enough not to be seen but she immediately retreated. She quickly retreated back and told the king everything. He got up and picked up his scepter. "So it's a big growing army. I'll deal with this." Tempest hoped he would succeed but deep down she doubts it. He saw the King climbed a mountain and reached the summit and looked down at the alien machines. He then raised his scepter and casted a huge spell on the them all. The whole place flooded with light. As it died down Tempest could make out a huge mushroom cloud. He then heard the king on her communicator. "I cant see with the dust I created, what do you see?" She went back to where she was and looked through a pair of binoculars at the canyon and tried to see through the smoke to the canyon. She then saw a green glow. The more the smoke cleared the more her fear climbed. She eventually picked up the communicator and gave her King the news. "They haven't even been touched!" She could hear the Storm King yell out in rage as he retreated back down the mountain to the army. Tempest did the same as her mind came to one conclusion, bombs, magic, and fire. They're like toys against them. More questions raced through her skull. Will she ever get her horn back? Are these aliens trying to erase them? Will she even get out of this alive? > War from Afar Part 4 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Storm King, Tempest Shadow, Grubber and the remaining forces came back to Canterlot. It's safe to assume that despite them having the enemy outnumbered and the amazing power they had, it was all for not. Tempest tried her best but despite everything she couldn't even take down one machine. However at some point she did get close but that came at the cost of what was left of her horn. She was in shock as she was so close to getting burnt. It was thanks to Grubber that she was able to duck down good enough for a heat ray to not burn her head clean off. All she could do was look in a shard of glass with her reflection and look at the spot on her forehead where a broken horn once stood. Once they got inside the castle the Storm King stared out the balcony, his face full of contained rage and anger. Tempest walked up to him nervously. "Sir? What's the plan now?" The King Said nothing. Tempest looked at the scepter still in his claw. "You know maybe if you restore my horn completely I might be more powerful. I know it got burnt off but I'm sure you could-" Whatever she was about to say was cutoff as the King grabbed her by the neck and bought her up to his face. "You're worthless to me now. But I think, since you're powerless now, you should know this one thing. I can't restore your horn." Tempest eyes went wide with shock as she struggled to breath. "What?" "Do you honestly think magical body parts like horns can be restored? I only needed somepony with a grudge against Equestria to make my plans come to fruition. But thanks to your inability to take care of these invaders, and now that you lost your magic, you are no worth to me." "What are you going to do to me?" She asked with worry. The king then threw her to two waiting creatures who grabbed her. "You might as well join your kind while I take care of these invaders once and for all. Enjoy the guilt." Next thing Tempest knew she was thrown into the dungeon where many more civilians were kept. They weren't given their own cell so to Tempest that only meant one thing. "Wait you guys! Don't lock me up with them!" It was too late the cell door slammed shut and the two creatures left the dungeon. Tempest then heard a cough and slowly turned to several ponies she recognized. An earth pony mare stepped forward with rage. "I lost my son out there and you made a slave out of him didn't you?" "You probably did the same to my wife." Said a pegasus stallion. "GET HER!" 'Maybe I should've either listened to the princess or maybe just let the invaders blast me.' Thought Tempest as the dozens of ponies charged and started beating her with a pegasus jumping into the air with his elbow aimed at her body. ======================= A few hours later they came. The ponies in cages couldn't do anything. Those that were strapped to wagons immediately tried to flee for they didn't want to find out what these invaders wanted. The storm creatures were soon fighting these things like there was no tomorrow. Slowly and surely the machines started to occupy a few streets. Twilight Sparkle and her friends looked up in shock and amazement at these machines. One landed near them and they saw what looked like a hatch opened underneath. Soon they were face to face with the operators of this machine. A group of three legged aliens with a large head and two arms underneath. One approached the door and used a tool to break open the door. After they slowly got out they looked to the group of aliens that saved them as they climbed back into their machine. One looked back to the ponies, the hippogriff and the cat, and gave them a wink. They all just stared as the machines slowly wandered around town. Capper was the first to speak up. "This is freaky." ====================== "You want some more? Come here!" Yelled the King as he used his scepter to either attempt to blast the war machines or teleport to another part of the city. Things were not going well at all. Anywhere he looked he not only saw these machines. He would also see his soldiers getting blasted or running away. But no matter how bad it looked he kept fighting despite the invaders gaining more of the city. He soon found himself in the center of the city with war machines surrounding him. "You think you all can defeat me? I'll take you all on!" Suddenly his scepter was blasted by one heat ray and suddenly turned to ashes in his claws. The King just stared in utter disbelief at the ashes as they slipped through his claw like sand. He then looked up and saw one of these machines inching it's way close to him. It's heat ray blinking as if it was charging up. "I may have no weapon but I can still destroy you all for I am the powerful-" The heat ray blasted him. The Storm King was now screaming as it burnt at his fur, skin, and for a split second he now wished he could've done something else but whatever he had left whether being retorts, monologues, or even a beg for mercy, it died in his own screams and burning body. ============================= The war machines left Canterlot. Many ponies tried to follow them but the machines were moving away so quickly not even the pegasus could keep up with them. The royal sisters and Cadence walked out of the stone garden as if nothing had happened to them. Whatever the invaders have done, it freed everypony that was trapped in stone. Twilight Sparkle went to the dungeon and there she was given quite a shock at what she found. There was Tempest Shadow, bruised, broken and chained to the wall. She had a black eye and was bleeding from several places. She was barely conscious as she looked to the princess. Twilight looked all over the dungeon. Ponies were either giving Tempest the death glare or smiling at Twilight for finally coming to rescue them. As Twilight let the civilians out, one thing now crossed her mind. What to do with a mare that lost everything and now had the whole world hating her? After all other ponies left she walked up to her and placed a hoof on her shoulder. "This is going to be a lot for both of us but maybe there's still hope for you." > War from Afar Epilogue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight Sparke slowly approached the cell in the dungeon. The only prisoner inside was sitting in a bed attached to the wall and was under heavy guard. Tempest looked to the princess, despite everything she smiled. Twilight smiled back and cleared her throat. "How are you holding up in here?" Tempest's smile dropped. "About as good as any prisoner. We had three break-ins with angry ponies attempting to either beat or kill me. A new record according to the guard." Twilight frowned a little. She knew Tempest would never have an easy life even if she was given a full pardon by the royal sisters. There were ponies that gave her pity but that was a very small minority. Many didn't care what she felt. All they cared about was what she did. She was sentenced to the dungeon, not only because it fitted her punishment, but to Princess Celestia, it was for her own safety from the mobs. Twilight spoke up again."I know things look bad but I promise you I'll get you out and you can serve a lighter sentence." "Don't bother princess. Even if I'm out of here next year, nopony will forgive me or let me forget what I did. Don't even bring up the Crystal Empire jail as a safer prison, when I saw your brother he looked like he was about to snap and kill me with a spear. But I understand why he would." "Ok I won't argue about what other ponies will do but maybe some day they can move on from this. Besides you have a friend already." Said Twilight as she smiled softly. Tempest smiled back and nodded. "Thank you, what's in the bag?" Twilight levitated a small wrapped item from her saddlebag. "Apparently your uh former friends from your childhood came to me and ask that I give you this." Tempest eyes widened but deep down she was furious why would the same ponies who abandon her now give her a gift? Twilight placed it in her cell and turned to leave. "I'll bring back some lunch next time I visit. I'm sure you would love that better than the slop you were given." Tempest let out a slight chuckle as the princess left. She slowly unwrapped the item only for her eyes to widen again. Inside was a necklace and on it were the bits of a horn that once belonged to her. She then saw a note and read it. 'We know sorry will never be enough for the monster we had created but we hoped this along with this photo will suffice at least until we can give you an even bigger apology.' Tempest looked again and saw a photo. It was her old friends standing next to what looked like a beaten up Ursa Minor and Ursa Major. Despite how the gift looked she actually smiled. ===================================== Inside a large dining area there, sitting at the table were the two royal sisters and Queen Novo. They were discussing what happened. "So you had the first contact with these extra terrestrial beings?" asked Luna. "Yes, they call themselves Martians. It turns out they were observing this world for a long time. Since when, I don't know." "And have you had further contact with them since the invasion?" Asked Celestia. Novo shook her head. "No but they did return my pearl along with my Daughter. Although the last thing I heard from the commander was for you two to have two 'going away presents'." "Yes they left one of their machines behind with the weapons decommissioned. We had plans of putting it in a museum." Explained Celestia. "What about the other gift?" Asked Novo. "Lets just say the commander had a lucky group of volunteers for this gift. He said something about 'advanced evil protection'." ================================= Grubber walked through the halls of the once heavily guarded castle of the Storm King. He entered the throne room and sat on the throne. "Well, looks like I'm in charge now." He then heard a strange sound. It sounded like a stomping sort of noise he looked out and saw something moving through the fog. As soon as it got into a clearing. Grubber's jaw dropped. The machine stopped and let out a loud horn sound. Grubber screamed as he ran out of the throne room. The machine started firing lasers all over the castle. From far away a horned hooded figure watched. "Friends can come from, not only high places, but they can come from far places too." He opened a portal and walked through. > Cozy Glow: The Height of a Haunting Part 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was all hers. Her plan to drain Equestria of it's magic had worked. It was all she wanted. Cozy Glow was now the youngest alicorn in existence. After absorbing all the power, it wasn't hard to overpower every creature from the smallest pony to the biggest dragon. She eventually did let Twilight Sparkle and her friends out of Tartarus under the condition they serve as her servants. Tirek thought she would free him after everything but instead he was left behind because Cozy thought the moment Tirek is let out he would feed on the magic she has. Cozy would never forget the look of betrayal and horror on Tirek's face. She was currently in the castle that once belonged to Twilight Sparkle. The crystal map showed all the locations that magic had been drained from. She kept a close eye on it but she expected the map to be completely drained until she noticed something and bought Twilight into the map room. "Tell me servant, what is this?" She asked pointing to faint glowing coming from part of the map. Twilight looked and her gaze turned to confusion. "Whitetail Woods?" "Yes it is Whitetail Woods, but what's with the glow of magic coming from there? You hiding something immune to my power? You know what I do to those that keep things from me." She asked as her horn glowed. Twilight gulped as she remembered the last ponies that tried to rebel against Cozy became statues. "I don't know, Whitetail woods only has the track for the running of the leaves. There's no magical artifact out there whatsoever." "Oh really? So if I were to go out there and find the source there will be nothing that could take away my power?" Asked Cozy with a look of suspicion as she hovered close to Twilight. Twilight nodded nervously. Whatever magic the filly had was making her more intimidating. Cozy scoffed. "Fine I'll look into this myself, but if I find anything you'll be sorry." She said as she teleported out of sight. Twilight collapsed on the floor with a mixture of different emotions, sadness, fear, betrayal, and failure. She asked herself where did she go wrong? Why couldn't she see the signs? She felt as if she failed as a teacher. He heard hoofsteps and saw Chancellor Neighsay, dressed as a butler, entering. He walked up to her with a sad look on his face. "I'm so sorry. Your idea for the school was good, but it seems I forgotten even ponies can be as bad as any monster." Twilight nodded and slowly got up following him out of the room. If only she could find out what would make Cozy this way. She had far too many theories from school bullies to abusive parents. Maybe then she can stop her reign and maybe even help her. ============================= Cozy Glow appeared right outside of Whitetail Woods. It was nightfall and used her magic to illuminate her surroundings. She couldn't see anything so she decided to walk into the woods following the dirt trail but what she didn't realize that she was being watched by something from afar. Something, despite having no eyes, was watching her. > The Height of a Haunting Part 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cozy Glow fluttered down the trail hearing nothing but the breeze and the crickets at night. She knew if there was something magical here, she would find it. Of course she would have to be mindful of the time which is why she had a watch in her saddlebag. She knows in a few hours she would have to lower the moon and raise the sun. She went down the trail until she saw something, a small wooden structure. Upon closer inspection it was an old outhouse, but then she noticed a scroll attached to it. She took looked at it and tried to read the crude writing. She read it aloud. "Always watches...No eyes? What is this? Some kind of prank?" She took the paper thinking it was a clue only to suddenly hear something. It sounded like a loud thundering booming sound. It was almost like a drum of some kind. She looked around nervously, but couldn't figure out where it was coming from. She shook off her fear and continued down the trail. She continued fluttering on, but then saw a large tree that had another scroll on it. This one had a crude drawing of a tall white pony in a black suit and tie along with some trees. She shrugged and took it off before continuing on. She would eventually see what looked like an abandoned carriage. She couldn't find anything inside but she did find another scroll on the side. She took it before reading it. "Don't look...Or it takes you?" She then heard not only the booming sound but now a strange groaning sound. It almost sounded like groaning metal. Once again she couldn't find out which way was it coming from. But as she looked around she thought she saw something move behind one of the trees. "Hey! Who goes there?" She tried to get closer to it but for some reason she had a strange ominous feeling inside. It was almost like some big predator was about to pounce on her. She started backing away and focusing more on the trail. "Silly me, must've been an animal." She said nervously. She flew on until she saw not one but two more scrolls attached to a boulder. One just had another drawing of the strange pony with the word 'No' written multiple times and the other had a small but simple message that Cozy read. "Can't run? Ok whose messing with me?" She then heard a new sound along with the previous two she heard. It sounded like the wind was picking up but she couldn't feel it. She then had that ominous feeling again followed by a feeling of slight nauseous. She looked around and saw something moving in the distance. She shined her horn and there standing on the trail was a tall white stallion wearing a suit and tie. His cutie mark looked like a circle with an x on it. But the scariest part was his face or rather a lack of. He had no eyes and a mouth. She assumed he also had no nostrils on his nose. What was more bizarre she notices strange appendages protruding from his back. Cozy plucked up whatever courage she had left and charged towards him ignoring the sickening feeling inside her. "Ah ha! So you're the last source of magic! Well it's all mine now!" She tried to fire a beam of magic at him but for some reason her magic felt weak and as she got closer the bad feeling inside her got worst and she fell to the ground. She looked up to see the tall pony moving closer to her. His tentacles stretching from behind him. Using what strength she had left she flew away. As soon as she got far enough she immediately felt better and regained her strength. "Ok so fighting it is out of the question, for now at least. Maybe there's more to these pages if I find more." She said to herself. She flew on hoping whoever this mysterious being is won't chase her. Little did she know she was still being pursued by the tall faceless pony. > The Height of a Haunting Part 3 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cozy was not having a good time as she continued flying around the woods trying to find whatever scrolls she could find. Right now she only found two more pages and now a new sound has joined the other three sounds, a slight ringing noise in her ears. She knows whenever she feels sick she knows the monster is nearby. She was now wishing more ponies or any other creatures were with her to help deal with this guy. She flew down the trail when suddenly she saw something. It looked like a wrecked and abandoned locomotive. It was rusty and was missing some of it's wheels. There she saw a note attached to the engine's smoke stack. She flew up and read it while hovering. "What the...Help me?" Two simple words was it all the note had as she took it. Suddenly all the noise stopped and was now dominated by the soft breeze and cricket chirping once again. Cozy was surprised and looked around. She couldn't see anything or even the tall pony in the distance. She then opened her saddlebag and took out all the pages she has collected. "What is so special about these pieces of paper?" She pondered for a bit before deciding what to do with them. Her horn lit brighter and within seconds the pages were burned to ashes. She smiled as she thought she finally got rid of all the magic. "Haha I don't know what exactly you are mister faceless, but I think I destroyed what summons you! HA!" Suddenly she felt something inside. Her eyes widened as she turned around and saw him. He was slowly walking towards her. Cozy attempted to fly away but she bumped into the locomotive's side. She tried to fly or even teleport away but now the tall pony was too close for her to do anything but feel sick. She tried to crawl away as a last ditch effort, but suddenly found herself held in place by black tendrils, coming from the tall one. All she could do now was just stare at the blank canvas that was his head. She had only one option left. "Please, whoever you are, let me go I'll do anything!" Suddenly in the wind she could hear a whisper. "Give back what you've taken." Cozy suddenly felt as if her body was being drained of both magic and energy. Her long horn was shrinking to the point it was disappearing and her once bigger wings were shrinking to their original size. To her it felt like the worst pain of her life as she screamed. ===================================== Meanwhile in Ponyville, Twilight and her friends were sadly eating whatever they could find in the school's cafeteria. A bottle of water was levitated near Rainbow Dash. "Here Rainbow" Said Twilight. "Thanks" She said as she took it and began to chug it. A couple seconds later. She spat out her water on Pinkie as her eyes widened as did her other friends. "Twilight did you just do magic?" asked Rarity. "I did?" She asked as she levitated more items. "I DID! Wait so does that mean..." Rarity began using her magic herself and Rainbow Dash immediately started flying. Slowly the entire world began feeling like their own magic was returning. The sun was now rising. Soon Chancellor Neighsay along with the royal sisters came into the room. "What happened? The magic is back somehow." Twilight then remembered. "Whitetail woods! Cozy said the last source of magic was there. Something must've happened to her." Luna's eyes widened as a thought struck her. "I'll investigate this myself." She said as she teleported out of the room leaving everyone confused. =========================== Luna appeared right outside the woods and looked around. She noticed something moving on the trail. She then realized what it was. Instead of looking surprised she remained where she stood. The tall pony emerged from the woods carrying an unconscious filly on his back. Cozy was back to her normal self but she looked malnourished. Luna smiled as the stallion got close and placed her on the ground in front of her. "I should've known you'd step in at some point." She said. The tall pony said nothing as he stared at the princess with his blank face. He only nodded as he used a tendril and gave Luna a scroll. It had a crude drawing of him and a younger version of Luna sitting on a hill. Luna smiled as she took the scroll from him. She soon lifted the filly with her magic and turned to leave, only for her to suddenly feel a hoof touching her. He turned to see him staring. He might not have a face but she could tell what was on his mind. "Don't worry. We're not going to be that cruel. Just looking at her, I think she suffered so much already from you." Luna teleported away as the tall slender pony turned around and walked back into the woods, disappearing beyond the trees. > The Height of a Haunting Epilogue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight Sparkle sat in her office along with the royal sisters. They were discussing the events of what happened and Luna revealed a secret. "So during your time as Nightmare Moon, you actually do come during Nightmare Night and try to terrorize Equestria, but the slender one prevents you from doing it?" "Yes but those rumors I gobble up ponies were fake. Even if they were true the tall one would always swoop in and stop me. Those scrolls he hides are, not only part of his scavenger hunt game, but those were from foals who were trying to summon him on the nights that I would come to their towns and cause trouble." Explained Luna. "I may have imprisoned her on the moon, but it came at the cost of her having a small open window on those nights. It was just a thousand years until that small window for a ghost became a big door for a mare." Said Celestia. "But according to legend he hunts creatures who see him." Said Twilight as she looked through a book about paranormal anomalies. She managed to find a page about this mysterious pony dubbed Slender Stallion. Luna sighed "He does, but those supposed victims were always found, traumatized but alive. Ever since my return we would often see each other on Nightmare Night and play like old times. We were actually friends in our youth, and still are to this day. He was just misunderstood from being so different, after all how many ponies do you see that have no face and can grow tendrils from their backs?" Twilight looked at the sisters for a while before closing the book. It was time she addressed another issue. "What about Cozy Glow? What will happen to her." The sisters looked to each other in worry. Celestia cleared her throat and pulled something out her bag. "We were originally gonna sentence her to Tartarus after her hospital treatment, but somepony found her parents and told them, then we got this letter." Twilight read the letter Celestia gave her. 'We know what our baby did was wrong but can we at the very least let us discuss her punishment over tea? Sign Firebox Glow and Cozy Bed, Parents of Cozy Glow' Twilight reread the letter. "Well it is against the law to sentence a minor like an adult, without parent consent. She may have done something evil but she's still a child. And admittedly I may have let her have too much access to the the artifacts. Did you two at least look into her past?" The two looked at each other again. "Why didn't we think of that?" asked Celestia. "We'll look into it." Said Luna =========================================== Cozy sat in her hospital bed with one hoof chained to the bed. She was under heavy guard considering what she done. Ever since she was admitted she felt like everything she knew was gone. Her ambitions, her plans, and whatever respect she had was now down the drain. She had a new feeling inside but she didn't know what it was. Pain? Hunger? Regret? Anger? Sadness? Suddenly the lights went out. The guard who was in the room sighed. "Darn stupid fuse." The guard left leaving Cozy alone in the darkness. She knew even if she got loose she wouldn't get far there were many guards outside at all entrances and closely watching the window. She sighed hoping she'll be out of here soon and maybe just accept what's coming to her. Suddenly the lights came back on and there, in front of her bed, was Slender Stallion. She wanted to scream but for some reason she couldn't. Slender just stared at her for a bit until he used a tendril to give what looked like a scroll. He placed it on her bed. Cozy shivered as she opened it and read it. 'Hello. Want to be friends?' Outside the hospital a horned hooded figure watched. "They say absolute power corrupts absolute, but it can also lead to an absolute comeuppance." He opened a portal and walked right in before closing it. > Epilogue: The End for Many Ends > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- In a barely lit hallway a hooded figure trotted through. He removed his hood to reveal a dark grey Unicorn with an even darker blue mane. His horn lit up as he conjured up orbs. They all hovered around him. Each orb was showing a view of some kind. The unicorn smiled as he glanced through each orb. ======================= Abacus Cinch ran through the halls of Crystal Prep in a panic. She looked back to see another human chasing her. This human had burns on his face, he was wearing a striped shirt and fedora. But the scariest part were the blades sticking out of his knuckles on one of his hands. “This has to be a dream. This has to be.” Said Cinch. He wore a sickening grin as he sang. ”One Two I’m coming for you.” ===================== Juniper Montage hid behind a cardboard cutout as the strange creature made of black ink walked along the floor of the studio. It's evil looking grin never left it's face even though it lost sight of her. For now at least. ======================== Gloriosa Daisy, who was now Gaia Everfree, had Filthy Rich struggling to breathe in her wooden grasp. “Nobody will take this camp from me. NOBODY!” What she didn’t see was the man wearing a hockey mask emerging from the forest holding a machete. =========================== The whole nation of Equestria can only watch as the ghostly Tantabus fight against a giant reptilian monster. It looked like a dragon but it had no wings. Where it came from nobody knows. It wasn’t long before they saw Princess Luna join the fight, despite her small size. ========================== Wallflower Blush thought the strange egg shaped stones she found would help her plans even further. All they did was summon a monster that was currently hunting her in the woods. She peered out from behind a rock and couldn't see the beast anywhere. "Phew maybe I should just-" WOOOOOOOOOOO From behind another tree, there stood a red steam locomotive with a menacing face and spider like legs. All Wallfower could do was run and scream. ============================= The Pony of Shadows roared as large dinosaurs swarmed at him like an angry mob. A Tyranasourus Rex managed to take a bite out of his side before getting shaken off and thrown to the side of a mountain. ====================================== The grey Unicorn sighed as he glanced through every scene in the orbs. "Isn't it amazing how something like this can happen?" He continued walking down the hall towards a set of doors. He opened them to reveal a room full of more orbs. Hundreds of them floating in the air. "Space is infinite and so are the possibilities for different paths in time. There are just so many chapters in time that can be altered by one's actions." He used his magic to grab an orb and bring it down. In the orb he can see an alicorn. "Even in the future there will be more necessary forces to take out evil when heroes fail." He picked up a scroll at the top it had the words 'Multiverse Jump Spell by Alter Path'. That was his name. He opened another portal to walk through. "I wonder what can I use in the future for her." He walked into the portal and closed it. To the stallion named Alter Path it was just another story to be made. THE END