Unleash the Soul

Prolong:

The Creatures that No Pony can beat

In one of the many farms on the land known as Equestria, a simple farm unicorn stopped when he heard a noise close to him. The light brown unicorn with a pitch folk cutie mark shrugged after a moment and resumed his work. He stopped again when he heard the noise once more, and looked toward a large bush, just outside of his field. Grabbing his farming tool with his magic, the farmer approached the bush.

Suddenly, a strange creature leapt from the bush, attacking the frighten unicorn. The unicorn darted to the right, and barely avoided the creature's claws, getting a light cut on his left cheek in the process. The creature landed behind the pony, and faced him, growling a deep throated growl. The farmer pony gasped when he got a good view at the creature that attacked him.

The creature was the size of a large dog with a shape to match. The most surprisingly thing about this creature was that it was made out of pure shadows, only the razor sharp claws seemed to be solid. The shadows weaver and flicked like a camp fire, some even came free from the body, disappearing into nothingness seconds after coming free from the body. The creature's eyes were pure yellow that seem to pierce through the scared unicorn right to his core. And while the creature had no mouth, the growl that came from it was so unnatural; it was almost maddening to the unicorn.

The unicorn suddenly lost his nerve, and lost his magical grip on his tool, as it fell to the ground, the pony turned and ran. The creature let out a hunting cry and chased after the frighten unicorn. The farmer, hearing the creature quickly gaining, pushed every muscle in his body to their natural limit. Unfortunately, it all seem in vain as the creature jumped at the frightened pony, aiming its claws for the pony's flank.

Suddenly a grey blur came from the sky, scooping the unicorn up mere seconds before the creature was to sink his claws into the pony's hid. The unicorn blinked twice and looked up when he realized he was in the air. He sighed in relief when he saw a grey pegasus guard. On the ground, a neon blue unicorn guard stood before the mysterious shadow creature, his horn glowing. The creature showed no fear, or even cautious as it turned to the new pony and charged without a second thought.

The unicorn guard fired a magical bolt at the creature, which surprisingly, went straight through the creature. The guard gasped, but continued to fire magical bolts, hoping one would connect. Unfortunately, the results were the same, and the creature quickly closed the gap, and took swing at the guard with its left paw. The guard managed to dart to the right, and the only thing that was hit was the side of his helmet, loosing nearly the entire left side faceplate of the helmet.

The guard put some distance between himself and the creature as he prepared himself for the next round. The guard used his magic to take out a short sword, hidden within his armor, and brought it in front of him. The shadow creature once again didn't care about it own life, as it once more charged at the guard. The blue unicorn swing his sword when the creature was close, and gasp as he watched the magic around the weapon disappeared. The weapon passed harmlessly through the creature as it leapt for the stunned guard. The guard moved to his right, trying to avoid the creature, only to wince in pain as he felt his back being torn open by the creature's claws.

The pegasus guard, who had dropped the farmer at a safe distance, had returned and was shocked to see his partner struggling against the mysterious creature. He was about to go and help, when his partner saw him and called out.

"No!" the unicorn guard shouted, dodging a blow from the creature. "You got to get out of here!"

"But…" the pegasus said, stunned by his partner's words.

"No buts!" the unicorn shouted, using his magic to jump over the creature. "Someone had to warn the princesses!"

The pegasus guard hesitated, watching as his friend barely dodged another attack from the creature. The flying guard gasped as he watched his friend fire a magical bolt at the creature's feet, only for the magic to disappear once it was in range of the creature. When the unicorn guard noticed that his partner was still hanging around, he glared up at the pegasus, after putting some distance between the creature and himself.

"GO!" the unicorn shouted and fired a bolt at the pegasus.

The flying guard yelped as he dodged the bolt, and took off at top speed. The blue unicorn smile as he watched his friend fly away. This proved to be a bad move, as the shadow creature came rushing in and with one swing of his claw, knocked the unicorn's horn clean off. The unicorn scream in pain as he felt his connection to the magical element painfully served.

Dazed and confused, the unicorn was barely able to dodge claws aimed for his head. The guard gave his head a quick shake, to get rid of cobwebs. Regaining some of his sense, the guard spotted his sword, and made a mad dash for the item, ducking low to avoid another claw swing. With a quick kick, the sword went flying, and the guard caught in his mouth.

The guard turned towards the shadow creature, determined to fight this creature, even if cost him his life. The mysterious creature once more didn't acknowledge the weapon as it turned it sights onto the guard and growled lowly. The two charged at each other, ready to start the fight anew.

(…)

Canterlot, the capital of Equestria, is considered by most to be the jewel of the land. Most who visited the city are often in awe, and leave the city with a smile. Probably the most noticeable figure about this grand city, are the rulers, the princesses who control the sun and the moon respectively. Those were seen the two princesses would often say that they were truly prefect in every way possible.

Unfortunately, those who often seen Princess Celestia, don't know that she, like most ponies, have secrets. And one such secret was currently tearing up the sun princess.

Inside of Canterlot castle, the sun raising winged unicorn was pacing in front of her throne, a deep frown on her face. In front of the throne stood a white unicorn with a blue mane and matching tail, and wearing a captain uniform, frown slightly as he watched his princess pace nervously.

Princess Celestia stopped her pacing and let out a faint sigh before turning to the unicorn. "Are you certain of this, Shining armor?" she asked with a hint of doubt in her voice.

"Unfortunately, princess, yes," Shining Armor said sorrowfully. "The guard that returned reported seeing a creature made out of pure shadow, and shown immunity to unicorn magic."

Celestia let out another sigh and took a seat at her throne, looking at the captain wryly. "Shining Armor, I want you to have all the residents of the area move out and only Pegasus guards are to portal the area," the princess commanded softly.

"…Princess?" Shining Armor asked, looking questioningly at the ruler of the land.

While the princess was good at hiding things, the captain of her royal guard had known her long enough to see the hidden sighs. Shining Armor could tell that the princess was hiding something. But like a good captain and a good in-law, he knew when not to press the issue.

The white unicorn bow lightly as he said respectfully, "as you command, princess."

Shining Armor turned to leave, only to be stopped by Celestia.

"…And what about the guard that was fighting the creature?" the sun princess asked wryly.

With a heavy sigh, Shining Armor turned to face the princess, his eyes heavy. "Unfortunately, by the time reinforcements arrived, the creature had moved on, and Royal Guardsman Sharp Edge was in serious condition. He didn't survive the trap back to Canterlot. His family has already been informed of his death."

Celestia closed her eyes, and nodded solemnly. Shining Armor frowned, once more noticing his ruler and in-law's behavior, and like before, decided to leave it alone for the time being. He then left, closing the large doors behind him.

Celestia opened her eyes once she heard the doors closed, and let out a heavy sigh. She looked toward a table near her throne and her horn lit up with magic, levitating a quill pen into a bottle of ink. She also grabbed a piece of paper, and brought both items close to her.

"My faithful Student, Twilight Sparkle," Celestia said, writing as she spoke. "I have learned of new force threatening Equestria, and I am in dire need of you and your friends. I will send an escort within the hour, so please make haste."

With a heavy sigh, the princess of the sun lowered the paper and stared out the window, lost in an old memory. If what she suspect is true, probably not even the magic of the elements of harmony could help. Still, she wasn't ruling out the age-old magic just yet. So with another sigh, she lifted the paper and pen and continued writing.

"I regret to say, however, that I wouldn't be here upon your arrival," Celestia said, continuing to write. "Instead, Princess Luna would be here to inform you of the crisis on hand. Sincerely, Princess Celestia."

With her task done, the princess rolled up the letter and sealed it with her royal real. She next opened the window nearest to her with her magic, and with very that magic, caused the scroll to dissolve into green fire. She watched as the fire left through the open window, swirling as it traveled to the small town below.

The princess let out a light sigh and turned to the guards near the door. "Summon my sister, immediately."

The guards, a tan unicorn and golden silver unicorn saluted, and then exited the room. With another sigh, the sun princess stood up and walked beside her throne. The princess tipped the throne's edge, and the throne moved forward, giving enough room for somepony the princess's size to walk behind. She walked behind her throne and began to working, keeping herself busy while she waited for her sister. Nearly ten minutes later, the Princess of the Night came trotting into the throne room a small smile on her face.

"Morning, dear sister," Princess Luna said warmly. "Why have you summoned me on such a fine day?"

Luna's mood suddenly changed when she noticed how serious her sister looked. She also saw that the throne, which the white princess was sitting on, was moved forward, and knew that wasn't a good sigh. Frowning, the princess of the moon opened her wings, and took flight, getting closer to look her sister in the eye.

"Celestia…sister?" Luna asked, her fears growing. "What's the matter?"

With a heavy sigh Celestia looked her sister in the eye, and Luna nearly gasp when she saw the swirl of emotions in sister's eyes.

"Sister…" Celestia spoke in a near whisper, "…The Darklings had returned."

Luna gasped, and her face paled ever so slightly. She took a step back, and looked around, to make sure that no one was around to hear what was about to transpired between the two princesses. Fortunately, the normal guards had been order to wait outside when Luna had arrived.

"…Sister, are you certain about this?" Luna asked doubtfully.

"Unfortunately, yes," Celestia replied solemnly. "As you know, reports have been coming in of strange creatures attacking farm lands north of Canterlot."

Luna nodded, aware of the reports that her sister spoke of. But she thought that the creatures in the reports were just creatures from the everfree forest that had strayed to far from its home. She didn't even think it was those creatures older then Equestria itself.

"At first I thought it was just a creature from the everfree forest, but that all changed today," Celestia said with a heavy sigh. "A small band of guards meant with one of the creature, and when one tried to fight it, his magic was completely useless against it. Sadly, the guard didn't survive."

Luna looked at the floor, deep in thought. If the Darklings had indeed returned, then all of Equestria, if not the entire planet was in grave danger. She looked up at her sister, hoping she had some sort of plan in mind.

"I have already summoned Twilight Sparkle and her friends to come here," Celestia said wryly, seemingly reading her sister's thoughts.

Luna gasp, knowing what her sister had in mind, and didn't sit well with the lunar princess.

"Sister, do you honestly believe that the Elements of Harmony can harm the Darklings?" Luna asked skeptically. "The Darklings are creatures that no pony can defeat?"

"I know, dear sister," Celestia replied wryly. "But I believe that the elements, older then Equestria itself will have the power needed to defeat the Darklings."

With that said the princess of the sun got up and began walking behind her throne. Luna watched this, and instantly knew what was happening.

"You say you have confidence in the elements' power, and yet, you're going to that place, preparing the spell to contact the other world," Luna said dryly. "Am I mistaken, sister?"

Celestia sighed and looked at her sister, eyes heavy with guilt. "You are right, sister. While I have faith in Twilight Sparkle and her friends, I wouldn't take any chance. I wouldn't let Equestria share the fate of our old kingdom," she replied guiltily.

Celestia then walked behind her throne and Luna followed her. The lunar princess watched as Celestia tipped the back of her throne and a secret panel opened up, revealing a horn hole of sort, with four jewels lining the edges of the hole. The sun princess stuck her horn into the hole and it lit up with her magic. Luna watched as the top jewel began glowing red; follow by the jewel to the right glowing blue. Next the bottom jewel glowed green, and the last jewel glowed yellow.

Beams of light came from the glowing jewels, and wrapped around the sun princess. Once the lights had covered Celestia, they returned to the jewels as the kind princess was transported to an unknown location. Luna let out a heavy sigh as she lightly tight the edge of the throne and watched as it slid back against the wall. She then took a seat on the throne and waited for the bearers of the elements, doubt clearly written on her face.

"I just pry, sister, in these dark times, we learn to see," Luna whispered to herself, a hint of doubt working it way into her voice.

(…)

In some uncharted part of Equestria, among a field of jagged rock, and ruin corps, stood a large cave, about size of a small castle, surprisingly. The inside of the cave was even more surprising. The walls of the cave were smooth, polished stone, with torches lit by magic, leading to the center of the cave. In the very center of the castle-like cave, stood a throne, made out of refine rock, and a single pillow for comfort. And sitting on the throne was a creature, his or her identity completely concealed by a white cloak. The only clue to the mysterious figure's identity was the horn sticking out of a hole on his or her hood.

The figure looked up as he sensed a ripple of dark magic in the air. His horn glowed in a golden gray color as he felt the magic in the air.

"so…" the creature said, speaking in a deep male voice. "…After nearly two thousands years, the Darklings had finally returned."

The creature, Light for the time being, stood up and walked away from his thrown. Light's horn lit up once more, and after building a good charge, shot a beam straight up. The beam easily pierced through the wall of the cave without damaging the cave itself. Once free from the cave, the beam exploded into a net of pure light, reaching, surprisingly, across all of Equestria. Despite the feet of magic right above their heads, no pony saw it, and once the magic touched a swirl of green fire; it retracted to a beam, and returned to the one who created it.

"…And I see the bearers of the elements are already being summoned," Light said, and then let out a disappointed sigh. "And then the Elements fail, that idiot Celestia would no doubt call upon the filth of that other world."

Light sighed again and stood away from his throne, his horn once more lighting up with his magic. This time, however, the magic went to his entire body, causing it to light up in a golden gray light. The light was so bright that no shadows could be seen. Energy came from the mysterious pony's front hooves, quickly moving to the center of the room. The energy next divided, forming into four large circles.

"Arise, my Guardians!" Light shouted in a commanding voice.

The circle pulsed with energy of pure light, as creatures began to rise from them, about four for each circle. Suddenly, and as if something was draining the light from the every room, the lights dimmed considerable, allowing only shadows forms of the new creatures to be seen. Light walked up to the creatures, pleased with the work his magic can do.

"Now, listen carefully, my guardians!" White shouted commandingly. "You're targets are the Darklings and their nest. Despite their large numbers, the Darklings only have a single nest, find it and destroy the source from which the shadow creatures spawn from. Once the source is gone, the threat of the Darklings will be over. Now…GO!"

Wordless, the guardians, as they were named, turned and marched out of the cave in single file line. Once the guardians were gone, the lights returned to normal and Light returned to his throne, a content smile hidden under his cloak.

"…Soon, Celestia, very soon," the mysterious pony said contently. "The ponies of Equestria will see how truly an incompetent ruler you are, and that I am the true savior of this land, chosen by Equestria itself."

The mysterious pony suddenly let out a big yawn as he felt the effect of using his great magic take hold, and found himself struggling to keep himself awake. He soon got himself comfortable as he found himself unable to resist the lure of sleep.

Before he drifted off into the blackness of blissful sleep, the mysterious pony muttered," And when I rule, I will purge the land of all thing dark, and Equestria will be truly at peace, and fill with light."

And with that, the mysterious let the embrace of sleep take him, allowing him to recharge his magic, and waiting for his time to shine.

(…)