Chapter 16 B: A deadly but caring influence
"It has been eight long months scene the day I took the throne…but now…now it is official."
Dark Fire stood in front of the throne facing a large audience of sophisticated ponies and guards alike. To the right of him were Trixie, Chrysalis, and Nightmare Moon. To his left stood Zepher, Sombra, and Discord. They all shared similar royal attire as they waited for Castigate finished up his speech, leaving Dark Fire was lost in though
"I have taken over…I've truly won…tyranny if finished…and we shall take their place as the new rulers of Equestria." Dark Fire whispered.
"Finally, after months of war against our aggressors, we can safely say that Equestria is truly free. Here before you now are your hero's and liberators, your rulers and leaders. Let us officially commemorate them for their selfless acts and their sacrifices." Castigate declared.
Several ponies, mare and stallion alike, came out from the back rooms and stood behind the new rulers. Only Dark Fire was excluded.
"Discord, Master of chaos and Commander and Chief of our armies!" Castigate announced.
Stardancer smirked as she held the badge in front of Discord.
"You're going to have to pay me for it." She whispered.
"Cool story bro." He said as the badge vanished and reappeared on his suit.
"Chrysalis, Queen of the Changelings and Archduchess of Equestria!"
Imago flew above her to place a golden crown, but was puzzled by the already place crown on Chrysalis' head.
"Um, my queen…there's already a crown-
"I know I already have a crown, we'll fix it later." She whispered back anxiously.
Imago awkwardly placed the crown on the back of Chrysalis' head, making it seem like she had two crowns.
"Sombra, King of the Crystal Empire and Arcane Council Master of Equestria."
Maneful couldn't help but smile when she placed the crown on his head.
"Well daddy…you did it, I'm so proud of you." She said with a goofy grin.
"Funny, I should say the same for you." He said abruptly hugging her. "I love you so much."
"I…I love you to daddy!" Maneful said, tears building in her eyes.
This was enough to bring tears of joy to Sombra and make the audience "awwww" at the scene. Dark Fire, on the other hand, had a look of embarrassment.
"Oh my gosh that is so cute!...Uh I mean, can we hurry this up." Castigate said, blushing.
"I love you too." Sombra whispered before letting her go.
"Anyways, moving on. Nightmare Moon, Princess of night and nightmares, and Archbishop of Equestria!"
Stritin proudly put a dark blue and gray crown on her head before making a quick bow.
"Zepher, son of the former princess Celestia, but now redeemed as the Major Ambassador for Equestria!"
Shinning Armor came out and presented Zepher with honorary gray and red robes, representing their empire.
"I would like to add that this stallion is single…just letting you know." Castigate said, smirking mischievously at Zepher. "And now we have Trixie…" He said, walking up to her. "The Princess of Equestria and…my beloved sister."
Everypony that knew Castigate had a look of shock and bewilderment by his comment. All except Trixie, who simply stood there with an un-amused look.
"For years I had always hated her blindly, despised the very dirt she treaded on, thought I was better than her in every way. Thought she was such a fool…well that's probably still true."
Trixie's facial expression still remained the same as he continued.
"But in reality, I was the foolish one. I only felt this way because I was jealous."
Now it was Trixie's turn to be confused.
"Jealous of the fact that you were loved by your…our mother. Jealous that she loved you just as much as me, and all I have to say is that I'm truly sorry. You're my sister and I love you."
The room was overcome by silence until Castigate suddenly glowed light blue and was flung into Trixie's embrace.
"Do you realize how long I've waited to hear those words from you?" Trixie said, almost in tears. "I love you to brother."
"So you forgive me after all I've done?"
"Of course I forgive you." Trixie said, hugging even tighter.
"Yes, another bet won." Castigate whispered.
"What was that?"
"Nothing…nothing at all." He said, putting a gold and sapphire tiara on her head. "And now…the moment we were all forced to see."
Dark Fire rolled his eyes before some of the ponies chuckled at the comment.
"He's been our adored ruler ever scene he over through Celestia, stayed with us throughout the war and made sure everyponies needs were meet. He's the only black pony to rule Equestria-
"Make a racist joke and I will fry you." Dark Fire said casually.
"His name…IS DARK FIRE, THE PRINCE OF DARKNESS AND TRUE RULER OF EQUESTRIA!"
Everypony burst into cheers as a gold and ruby crown was placed on him.
"AND IT IS BECAUSE OF YOUR ACTIONS THAT WE PRONOUNCE YOU…PRINCE OF EQUESTRIA!"
As the cheering continued, random fireworks and confetti exploded inside the room and all over Canterlot.
"ALL HAIL THE NEW RULERS OF EQUESTRIA!" Castigate shouted.
"ALL HAIL THE NEW RULERS OF EQUESTRIA!" Everypony repeated.
Dark Fire took a leap forward in the heat of the moment.
"AND AS MY FIRST RULE AS PRINCE, I DECLARE AN ALL OUT PARTY AND CELABRATION!"
And what a party it was, one of the biggest Canterlot had ever had. It went on for weeks, going from typical party food and drinks to rave parties and rock concerts. Courteously of Dj Pon3y and the Elements of Disharmony, because who knew the elements could play in a rock band called "Elemental chaos". The war was over, but was it really won…
One month later…
"There's still no sign of Twilight or the resistance anywhere. There's reason to believe that they have either fled the country or went into hiding." Ammisive stated.
"And what about Desolent…any signs of him?" Dark Fire asked.
"Every since he went rogue, there have been no sightings. The only place left unchecked had been the Everfree Forest, but Sombra says the dark magic there is…almost frightening recently."
"Explain."
"Well, for starters, harmless creatures have been more aggressive, attacking anything that approaches their territory.
"Isn't that a natural response?"
"Not in Equestria sire, tell me how often you hear about a beast taking out a squad of guards."
"What?!"
"Ok let me explain."
"You called for assistance sir?" Ammisive asked.
"Yes finally, this beast has been terrorizing the streets of Ponyville for days now!"
"What's your name?"
"Caramel, and I had no idea they would send a Dis-element for this job."
"Meh, I was board. Age?"
"Twenty-four."
"Class?"
"Low-mid."
"Occupation?"
"Grass farmer."
"Grass farmer?" Ammisive asked.
"Yes, I plant grass seeds."
"So you *snicker* plant grass?" One of the guards asked before getting hit on the shoulder.
"Yeah, it pays the bills."
Most of the squad was engaged in a losing battle to contain their laughter.
"Ok then Caramel, lead the way." Ammisive said, pushing him forward.
When Caramel cut the corner around the house, all the guards and even Ammisive burst into laughter.
"Are you guys coming or what?" Caramel asked.
"Yeah, yeah…just let us catch our breath."
Couple of minutes later.
"So the beast lives in the forest." Ammisive asked.
"Yes, but be careful."
"Ok guys, cover me." Ammisive said, stepping forward.
"With what?" One of the guards asked.
"Just do it."
"TOO LATE, GET DOWN!" Caramel yelled.
Everypony hit the deck.
"Ok guys, remember to stay calm and keep your cool, this thing will rip you apart if it's pushed in the wrong direction." Caramel added.
Everypony glued their eyes to the forest until a white rabbit hopped out into the open.
"There it is." Caramel whispered.
"I don't see it." One of the guards said.
"It's right there."
"What, behind the rabbit?" Ammisive asked.
"No, it is the rabbit."
Ammisive and the guards froze in place in shock until Ammisive stood up abruptly.
"YOU SILLY DOLT!"
"What?"
"You had us all worked up!"
"Well that's no ordinary rabbit! That's the most vicious, cruel, and heartless rabbit your eyes will ever see!"
"You idiot, I almost pissed myself because I was so scared." A guard added.
"This thing is a killer, mouth big as a mile!"
"Yeah sure."
"It will rip you a new one."
"What a bunch of bull."
"I'm warning you!"
"What he do, bit your flank?" Another guard added, mockingly.
"It has huge, sharp teeth. It can move faster than your eyes can see!" Caramel warned.
"What a waste of time…you there, knock it's lights out." Ammisive ordered.
"Right." The bright colored Pegasus said, putting on his helmet.
It didn't take long for the pegasus to approach the rabbit, snickering as he went. Well, up until the point where the rabbit leaped into the air and kicked the guard across the head, knocking him out cold and shattering the helmet into pieces.
"HOLY SWEET MOTHER OF NIGHTMARES!" Ammisive shouted in shock.
"I tried to warn you, but did you listen, no! Nopony listens to the casual grass farmer, Nopony at all! Oh it's just a silly rabbit, what can that do." Caramel mocked.
"Oh will you just SHUTUP!" Ammisive said, getting onto his hooves. "CHARGE!"
The squad went ahead of ammisive, who followed close behind. However, within less than a couple of seconds, the rabbit bounced between each guard like a pinball and knocked all of them out. Ammisive made a sudden stop as he slammed his hooves into the dirt, attempting to get back to cover. Sadly for him, the rabbit sat mere inches from his face.
"Can we talk about this?" Ammisive asked.
The rabbit shook its head before flicking its paw into Ammisive's muzzle, sending him flying through a building.
"So how did you solve it?" Dark Fire asked.
"Ummm…well…can ponies eat fried rabbit?"
"Ammisive…ponies don't eat meat."
"That's what I thought…" Ammisive said as his face turned light green before running to a nearby bathroom.
"This is ridiculous, my element being outclassed by…A RABBIT!" Dark Fire said, enraged. "I'm going to check this myself…*yawn*…man, it's too late for errands and it's almost night time.
"But it's always night time." Ammisive said, walking out of the bathroom.
"Whatever, just watch Trixie until I get back." Dark Fire said as he teleported in a red mist.
"Me…watch…Trixie?!" He said, feeling nervous and shocked. "I guess I've lived a normal life…."
"Wow, Discord really did a number on this place." Dark Fire said, walking to the entrance Ponyville. "How long has it been scenes I've been here…it all seems…abandoned."
Ponyville was indeed abandoned, but that wasn't all. The town itself was practically destroyed. Dark Fire continued to walk until he reached the broken down majors house.
"This doesn't make any scenes. Ammisive was just here, how could the whole town be…desolated."
As quickly as it came to him, he rushed through the doors of the mayor house, only to find it completely destroyed. Tables where flipped over, books were scorched, and the ceiling looked like it could give way at any moment. Without any second thoughts, his horn illuminated bright red.
"Discord, when was the last time you checked on Ponyville?" Dark Fire asked, telekinetically.
"Why do you sound so panicked?" Discord asked.
"Just tell me!"
"It's been like two weeks…what's wrong?"
Dark Fire couldn't take it anymore. As his horn lost its glow, he fell to his rump, completely surrounded by rubble. Silence overtook the atmosphere as he sat there in sorrow.
"How am I supposed to be a prince, when I can't even protect my own…"
Moonlight shinned through the cracks of the walls, giving the dark pony a scene of guilt and responsibility.
"I have to find survivors, if there are any." Dark Fire said teleporting to the first place that popped into his head.
Unfortunately for him, it was the very same place his heart turned black as night…Twilight's house. The memories of pain and heart broke hit him like a ton of bricks as it replayed over and over in his mind. It was enough to make anypony insane. It didn't take long to get inside, but when he did, his fears had been realized.
"It's a shrine...what's a shrine doing in the middle of Twilight's living room?!"
He already knew the answer, but was too stubborn to admit the overwhelming evidence before him. On the shrine was a note in red ink…or what was believed to be ink. He ripped it off and read it aloud.
'Dark Fire, if you happen to stumble across the shrine before Twilight, consider yourself fortunate, for you will get the warning before her. I want Twilight alive and well, doesn't matter how you do it. For I want to prove to you that I am the strongest unicorn in existence and show you the error of your ways. The day you made Trixie your apprentice was the day we became enemies Dark Fire, that is on your head, but first things first. I, WANT, TWILIGHT! Disobey this order and I will leave every city of your beloved empire in total destruction!'
"Has he gone insane…I'm still more powerful than and I gave him the element!" Dark Fire yelled.
'Now I know what you're thinking, and once again, you're wrong. I have equaled, if not surpassed your power and will no longer follow you unless you bring me Twilight. But as an incentive, I will make this more interesting. Find her before me, and I will spare your empire and submit to you, as long as I'm considered your equal. This means that I will learn everything you know about magic and energy manipulation, plus an equal seat of power in your empire to rule.
However, if I find her first, I will come after your beloved Trixie as well! Same deal applies for her to, but it also applies to me as well. Because when she has met her fate, you will be next. My demands have been made…I suggest you listen to them.'
Dark Fire sat in silence before he angrily crumbled up the letter and threw it.
"That ungrateful &$**" Dark Fire shouted enraged. "THIS IS HOW YOU REPAY ME, WITH VIOLENCE AND DESTRUCTION?!"
However, the burning memory of what Desolent had said a month ago still burned in his mind.
"Please…all I ask is for you to show mercy on this Los Pegasus; I don't want thousands to suffer."
"You do it every day Dark Fire, why should I be an exception?"
He was right, everything he had done was only a reflection of Dark Fire, so why should he be an exception. Was it because of his guilt, his fear of overthrow, or was it to protect the ponies he cared about from turning into him. Whatever the reason, he had to move on and find survivors.
"HELLO!" He called, with increasing doubt. "If you can hear me, make your presence known! I'm not here to hurt you!"
Many times he called, but there was still no answer. He continued to walk down the streets of what once used to be full of life, full of smiles and laughter. Now...now it was a barren wasteland, and he only had himself to blame. Before he almost broke down in tears, he saw movement to the right of his eye. Unaware of what it was, he extended his hoof and pointed it to the direction of the noise.
"Make any sudden movements, and it will be the last you make.'oh what am I saying, do I really mean what I say anymore?' He thought to himself.
Only then did the figure make its appearance known, but it wasn't anywhere close to the size of a pony. It was more like a filly or colt, put with more fur. Dark Fire casted a light spell to finally see what this thing was, but when he saw it he was more shocked then relived. What stood in the light fearlessly was a black dog, a cairn terrier to be exact. It just stared at him with the darkest brown eyes he had ever seen.
"What, a dog...you got me all worked up little guy. Oh what's the point, now I'm talking to dogs."
During Dark Fire's ranting, the dog quickly ran up and bit his leg, causing Dark Fire to yelp.
"What the heck was that for you jerk!"
The dog took no time at all to run inside the broken house once again.
"You thing you can just run away, just like that!" He said, chasing after him.
When he bashed through the door, he saw a saddening sight. The black dog was sitting right next to a large pile of rubble, but it wasn't the rubble that caught his attention. What lay under it was a white west highland terrier, unconscious and wounded. The black dog looked at Dark Fire with sorrow before returning its gaze to the white dog.
"So that's why...I should have known."
Dark Fire approached the white dog slowly and noticed a red collar on its neck.
"Brandy T." Dark Fire read. "Well I guess that's your name…but what are these numbers below it?"
The black dog barked in annoyance, as if saying to hurry up.
"And what about you?" Dark Fire said, looking at his black collar. "Shadow T." He read. 'Yep, its official, everyponies name is now shadow. It's even common to dogs.'
"Well, regardless, it would seem as if Brandy is in a tight situation.'Oh god, that I really just make that pun' He thought."I don't suppose you've ever seen magic before have you?"
Shadow stared in anger and growled
"Ok, ok...gees."
The rubble glowed bright red before it was lifted off the white dog. A loud sound of inhaling was heard as the white dog took in oxygen rapidly.
"We have to get you to a hospital or something, until then try not to breath to hard; it will damage your lungs."
Picking Brandy up and setting her on his back, a loud snapping noise was heard from above. It could only mean one thing.
"THE WHOLE ROOF IS COMING DOWN!" Dark Fire yelled.
Going by instinct, he blasted a hole in the wall and leaped through it. He ended up in another building just before the rubble collapsed behind him.
"Oh no…I FORGOT ABOUT SHADOW!"
Dark Fire felt like an idiot when he realized that Shadow was literally in front of him. It was just too dark to see.
"I guess that's how you got your name...funny, that how Night Shadow got his-
"Who's there!"
Dark Fire's ears perked up at its sound, knowing exactly who it was.
"Please...don't hurt us." The voice said, timidly.
"You silly girls, why would I want to hurt you."
"Night Shadow?" The voice said as it got louder.
As the figure stood in the moonlight, it was revealed to be Scootaloo. Only thing different was that her coat looked like it hadn't been washed in weeks, and looked like she was starved.
"Scootaloo, who is it?" Applebloom asked from a distance
"It's Night Shadow."
Only then did Dark Fire piece the puzzle together. They were either unaffected by the hatred wave or uninformed of the...change.
"Night Shadow...well where has he been for nine months?" Applebloom asked.
"How should I know?"Scootaloo said, annoyed "Well, where have you been?"
Keeping to the shadows and using his dark coat to his advantage, he responded.
"Uhh...you see...it was some party, I don't remember much-
"What do you mean, 'don't remember much". Sweete Belle asked, coming out from her hiding place.
"I don't know ok…what happened here?" Dark Fire asked, trying to change the subject.
"How should I know know, we all got locked in here by the guards, said something about a rampaging green unicorn."
"I bet you could have taken him Nighty." Scootaloo said, with a smile.
"Well...that depends on the circumstances." Dark Fire replied
"And why are you hiding in the dark? There's light you can stand in." Sweete Belle said.
"I...uh...prefer my darkness. It keeps me focused."
"Speaking of darkness, what's up with the sun anyways?" Scootaloo asked.
"Yeah, mah brother said it was some kind of statement for the new prince or something." Applebloom said.
"Oh don't tell me he supports him to?" Scootaloo said.
"Wait, support what?" The dark unicorn said.
"This guy called Dark Fire, he calls himself a prince but he's really just a big jerk!" Scootaloo said in anger.
"He took mah sister away!" Applebloom yelled.
"And mine." Sweete Belle added.
"Well, no, not really...they are umm..." Dark Fire tried to say.
"But now you're back Night Shadow. With you on our side, we can save our sisters." Applebloom said with rising joy.
"Wait, it's not that simple!" Dark Fire said, in panic
Without a second though, Applebloom grabbed the pony's hoof and pulled.
"With you helping us, we can save all of...
Applebloom dropped his hoof in shock, realizing his hoof was still pure black. Dark Fire quickly pulled back into the dark, fearing the worst.
"You're...you're...
"WHAT DID YOU DO TO NIGHT SHADOW?!" Scootaloo shouted.
Even if she didn't mean to, those very words stabbed right into Dark Fire's heart
"YOU TOOK OUR FAMILIES AWAY!" Sweete Belle shouted, in tears. "WHAT DID YOU DO TO THEM!"
"WHERE'S NIGHT SHADOW!" Scootaloo yelled, attempting to hold back anger.
"ALL OF YOU SHUTUP!" Dark Fire said, attempting to hold back tears. "I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING TO NIGHT SHADOW!"
"I DONT BELIEVE YOU!" Scootaloo screamed.
"I NEVER DID ANYTHING TO NIGHT SHADOW BECAUSE I AM NIGHT SHADOW!" Dark fire blurted out.
Everypony went into complete silence.
"Part of him that is...why do you think we have the same physical appearance."
Stepping into the rays of the moonlight, his face was expressing shame, allowing the fillies to judge him for themselves.
"Do you need any more proof..."
In their minds, they believed it was just another lie, but for some reason they wanted to be sure.
"Ok, tell me what we did when we were at Fluttershy's cottage." Scootaloo said.
"Was this before my introduction or afterwards...
"Afterwards."
"You were talking about how Rainbow Dash was better than me, thinking I cheated in the Iron Pony competition. You then got into an argument with Applebloom before you decided to make hot chocolate...a little bit too hot.
As Dark Fire retold the story, attempting to hold back more tears, Scootaloo slowly started to believe him.
"You also decided to dye my hair pink...and then attempted to cut it. Looking back at it now, it was a bit funny." He said in complete sadness.
Several minutes later
"I stayed up all night, making sure you were all safe before my strength faded away."
The room was enveloped in silence as Dark Fire finished.
"You really are Night Shadow." Scootaloo said, with sorrow. "Then why...why did you betray us. Why did you-
"I DONT KNOW WHY OK!" Dark Fire yelled, causing an eco. "I always thought I knew...but I was just blind…and I still am."
"Then stop this nonsense Night Shadow, your only hurting yourself."
"I wish I could…but what I've done is unforgivable and no amount of forgiveness with save me."
"Sure it can." Sweete Belle said. "We're your friends; we're all your friends."
"Now you're the one's lying to me."
"What about Rainbow, Pinkie and the others. They cared so much for you, Twilight cares for you."
"STOP TELLING ME LIES!" Dark Fire screamed, losing what little restraint he had left. "I saw it for myself. I watched as all my 'friends' abandoned me before my eyes, never spoke up for me! After all I did, THAT'S HOW THEY REPAYED ME!"
"You're only lying to yourself." Applebloom yelled.
"AM I, AM I REALLY! THEN WHY WOULD TWILIGHT THROW ME OUT ON THE STREETS!" Dark Fire screamed, plopping to the floor, bawling. "Told me I was a waste of time, nothing but trouble…told me to never come back. I loved her so much, and she broke my heart. Now…now the only thing I can do is break her's."
"It's not too late though, there's still a chance for you." Sweete Belle said, with grief.
"She's right, anypony can be forgiven." Applebloom added.
"I want to be…but Celestia won't forgive me."
"Yes she will, she has always been-
"No she hasn't. The moment I give up my power...will be the last day I see life again."
"She would never-
"I KNOW FOR A FACT SHE WOULD! Chrysalis, Sombra, Discord, all of them defeated without remorse or care. We're just insignificant to her, body bags for her experimentation of punishment. And no matter how much I want for this violence to end...I just can't let Celestia punish my friends that way...especially to Trixie."
The fillies had nothing left to say, being shocked that Celestia would even do such acts
"So you see, I must remain in power for the safety of my friends. But sometimes...a leader must do what is right, even if others will be harmed...
With that said, three magic blasts shot out from Dark Fire, hitting the three fillies.
"What...did you...do..." Applebloom tried to say before falling unconscious.
The other two lasted a bit longer before hitting the ground alongside their friend.
"The Shape you three where in was critical and I couldn't just watch you three suffer. At least now your will be safe with me."
Looking back at the two dogs, he noticed that Shadow was maintaining Brandy to the best of his ability. With Brandy losing conscious, there was little time to lose.
"I think it's time we all went home."
One day later
"Man is there nothing good on this stupid talking box!" Eccentric said in annoyance.
"I believe Dark Fire called it a 'television" Castigate said, propping his hind-hooves onto the table.
"Will you two hurry up; I'm tired of being the electrician for this thing." Ammisive barked.
"Wait hold on, I want to see the stock-market." Castigate said, grabbing the remote.
"Nope, you had your chance."
"Just a bit longer, then you can go back to sleep or something."
"Hey guys." Stritin said, walking in sheepishly. "What time is it and what's on the talking box?"
"It's a Television you dolt." Castigate said, almost annoyed. "And it's like nine in the morning...or night...OR WHAT EVER MORNING IS NOW!"
"And quite frankly, nothing is on at the moment." Eccentric added.
"So did Maneful eat breakfast yet?" Stritin asked, sitting down at the table.
"No, she's sleeping in today. Something I should have done." Ammisive said, leaving the T.V.
"Hey, I was watching that." Castigate said, aggravated.
"To bad, I want to eat something, and you can use your magic...lazy bum."
As everything calmed down, Dark Fire entered with his usual bed hair.
"So Darkie, what's up besides your hair?" Castigate joked.
"Well, you try sleeping with a mare the likes to cuddle all the darn time!"
"Some would say you got lucky Dark Fire, I mean, we don't have marefriends." Ammisive said.
"Well I had one...I didn't work out so well." Stritin said
"Well anyways, while where still on the subject of Trixie, what did you get her for her birthday."
Dark Fire was drinking coffee when he said this, thus spitting it out all over the floor.
"HER WHAT NOW!"
"Her birthday, what did you get her?" Castigate asked again.
Dark Fire stared at the floor, motionless.
"You forgot didn't you..."
As if on cue, Trixie walked in.
"Hey guys…and Dark Fire." Trixie said with a smile. "So what's going on today, anything special."
"Actually, Dark Fire was just about ready to give you something...right Dark Fire." Castigate said, nudging his shoulder.
"Oh really...well, I'm waiting." Trixie said with a smirk.
Dark Fire quickly turned around and looked at her with bloodshot eyes and screamed out gibberish before he darted out of the room.
"You forgot her birthday…I don't know whether to be sorry for you or disappointed." Chrysalis said, chuckling.
"She never told me, it's not my fault." Dark Fire said, panicking.
"She expected you to ask, us mares are like that, complex." Nightmare said, almost prideful.
"Well I don't like it; they need to be more straight forward."
"You're asking for the impossible here my friend, trust me I would know." Sombra stated.
"You're not helping here."
"You could always get her a rose or chocolate…or why not both." Discord suggested.
"I'm dead, I am so dead." Dark Fire said, sitting in a corner and cowering.
"Ah, love…it's such a wonderful and dreadful emotion." Chrysalis sighed.
"Don't you feed off of love?" Sombra asked.
"Yeeeah…" She sighed again.
In response, Discord chucked a huge paper mashay heart at her, causing it to burst into chocolate.
"WHAT THE HECK WAS THAT FOR?!"
"Look everypony, mint chocolate."
"OH YOU ARE SO DEAD!"
Chrysalis lunged at Discord, completely covered in molten chocolate. Discord chuckled as he pushed his lion paw into her face, forcing her to stay in one place while she swung frantically with her hooves.
"Stop being such a coward!" Chrysalis shouted.
"Come now Chrysie, use your head."
"I'M TRYING!"
"Hey, what's going on in here?"
Everyone in the room turned to look at Trixie before vanishing out of the room. Well, all except Dark Fire, who was still cowering in the corner.
"Dark Fire, is everything alright? You look a bit…flustered."
Dark Fire shivered in his place before sighing loudly.
"Actually Trixie, there is something wrong, will you walk with me."
Dark Fire stood up and walked out of the large room as Trixie followed, worried. He led her to a huge balcony with hundreds of beautiful flowers illuminating under the star lit night. In addition to this, all of Canterlot could be overlooked, shining brightly from a distance. There was also a faint sound of voices and music that filled the ponies' ears, presumably another party. Dark Fire took a seat in the grass, motioning Trixie to sit beside him. Trixie stated off into the city, admiring its magnificence and liveliness.
"It's beautiful isn't it? All the building, lights and trees, it's all so breathtaking…and it's all ours, along with all of Equestria. Can you believe it?"
"Trixie admits there are days where she thinks it's all a dream. That I would just wake up to the life she used to have." She said, staring into Dark Fire's eyes. "And I have you to thank for it."
"Well, do you ever think of how it could have been?" Dark Fire asked
"What do you mean?"
"Like...do you ever regret the things you've done."
"Yes, there have been times...what are you saying though."
"I never earned this, I took it...I never worked for it, I stole it. But the real reason why I brought you out here was because I was so busy being selfish that I forgot-
"There's no reason to be sorry...after all, I never told you when my birthday was anyways."
"AH HA, I was right!"
"What?"
"Nothing, nothing at all."
"Anyhow, Trixie understand your pain. We all have had times of regret."
"You don't understand what I go through."
"Dark Fire, I'm your marefriend...at least try."
"Even if I attempted to, there would still be too many unanswered questions for you...and me. But aside from my babbling, what would you like for your birthday..."
Trixie thought about this for a long time before giving her answer.
"I want an end to this constant suffering and war."
"But the war is over, we've won."
"Physically...but not mentally."
"I don't understand..."
"You told me that you used the hatred wave and the Elements of Disharmony to turn all the ponies against Celestia and the royals."
"Yeah..."
"Well, now remove it and show them what a true ruler is"
"You realize that's the only thing keeping the ponies in line. With that gone and their memories back, who knows what will happen."
"Try with a small group...if it doesn't work, you have to keep trying. This will levitate some of your regret, I hope."
"Fine, I'll try. Anything else?"
"There is one last thing...and it will be the best gift you could possibly give me, aside from you, of course."
'Oh how adorable.' he sarcastically thought
"I want you to capture Twilight...and bring her to me."
'Well that escalated quickly' Dark Fire thought "Why, I thought you were done with that grudge."
"Even though Trixie would like to get revenge on that mare, it's not only about Trixie anymore now is it. With her capture and defeated, the resistance will crumble and thus ending any chance of an uprising. There, 'acts of terror' will be over and done with for good."
"I...don't know if I can-
*DING
"If I find Twilight first before you, then all of Equestrian will suffer! And then I'll come after your precious "Trixie" next."
The memory of that message continued to play in his mind, knowing that Desolent was fully capable of such an act. He mentally agreed, nodding his head in approval.
"Good, I'm glad could be settled." Trixie said, walking away with a smile.
'Not only will this make Trixie happy, but it will ensure the safety of Twilight as well. With her under my protection, Desolent would have to come straight to me to claim his prize. If all goes well, no pony will parish ...'
One hour later
"Zepher, have you seen Maneful, we need her for a mission." Stritin said, standing at his door.
"No actually, the last time I saw her she was trying to steal my books,"
"Have you checked her room?" Zepher asked.
"Yes, she wasn't in there. You can check if you want."
"I guess I will, it's not like I have anything else to do."
With one teleportation spell, he appeared in Maneful's room. The room was decorated like royalty, curtsey of Sombra. It had the same colors of her coat, to a dark purple carpet, to red painted walls with green lining. The only thing missing was the pony herself.
"Maneful, you in here?" He asked.
There was no answer, the room was completely empty...or so he thought. Without warning, the door to the bathroom opened as a large cloud of steam enveloped the room. He had little time to act, so he jumped to the side of the bed where he wouldn't be seen.
As Maneful stepped out of the bathroom, Zehper only attempted to hide himself further. Her hair was still wet from what appeared to have been a shower and a towel was wrapped around her coat and lower body. She was humming the "Mlp theme song" as she approached the bed.
As she fondled around with her wet mane, Zepher accidentally hit the shelf behind him. Maneful looked up abruptly and stared right into his eyes. What made it worse was that Maneful's lower towel slid off, forcing the stallion to blush. Right before he was about to speak, he was slammed into the wall by magic.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN MY ROOM?!"
"uhh, i-i d-d-ont-
"HOW DID YOU GET IN HERE?!"
"I-I-I, J-j-ust telepo-
Maneful applied more power to the magical restraint.
"AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, WERE YOU STARING AT ME WHEN THE TOWEL FELL OFF?!
"How could I not?"
"YOU PERVERT...YOU WERE TRYING TO SEED ME NAKED WERN'T YOU?!
"BUT WE NEVER WHERE CLOTHS MANEFUL! WERE ALWAYS NAKED!"
Maneful paused suddenly before releasing her grip.
"Well dang it, now I can't do the brainwashing interrogation."
"That's nice to hear..."
"Oh and you're blushing by the way."
"It's part of the act."
"I wasn't acting; I was just about to get the scissors
Zepher gulped loudly.
"Scissors?" He said in a high pinched voice.
"I'm just joking. So why are you here anyways?" Maneful asked, approaching him slowly.
"Dark Fire needed you for an assignment, didn't say what for though."
"Interesting...well I'll be off then." She said, opening the door. "Oh and sorry about earlier, I'm not used to stallions waiting for me next to a bed."
Zepher only blushed harder when she closed the door. Making sure she was gone, he fainted onto the floor.
"This shall be the final act of destruction that we put upon on our land. Princess Trixe has given me the request to carry out one final assignment that will truly bring about the end of this Equestrian civil war. Your mission is to capture Twilight Sparkle alive and bring her to justice. The location is none other than the Everfree Forest, a dark and corrupt location that will require your one-hundred percent focus to survive." Dark Fire said, pointing to a map of the forest with a measure. "The entire perimeter of the forest must be completely surrounded, preventing any kind of escape."
"How do you expect simple hoof soldiers to stop the elements of harmony if they were to reach the perimeter?" Castigate asked.
"By overwhelming odds and magic." Dark Fire said with a smile.
On the map, the forest's boundary lit in a dark red color.
"This is the outer boarder of the forest, where the hatred shield/wall will be made by me. This will make them think twice about escaping. Next, I want one-tenth of our entire army to search the entire forest."
"The entire army, as in THE entire army!" Stritin said in surprise.
"Yes…the entire army, all one million of them."
"Do you know how hard it is to move that many ponies and changelings into one condensed spot?" Ammisive asked.
"Plus, we will be completely open for an attack on the capital." Eccentric pointed out.
"Who would be stupid enough to attack us?" Dark Fire laughed.
"Eccentric might have a point." Maneful said, leaning against the wall. "This civil war has left the country, "weak" according to outside sources, and not every kingdom likes Equestria. An attack on our 'Democracy' can be days away from now."
"I appreciate your concern, but you've overlooked one small detail."
Dark Fire walked over to the table and conjured a large book. HHHh
He flipped through the pages until he reached the desired spot before grabbing a folder with his mouth and tossing it onto the table.
"Peace treaties and negotiations." Maneful read aloud.
"Everyone wants peace with us, because we are now established as a free nation with a leader that over through a 'sun goddess'. They fear us Maneful, all of us. Tell me what other nation that is capable of using magic like unicorns." He asked, glaring at Maneful. "Has flying and fighting abilities like our pegasi." He declared, giving Ammisive a smirk. "Possess the strength of thousands like earth ponies." He stated, staring right into Stritin and Eccentric. "A nation that matches our intelligence and superiority." He said proudly, looking at Castigate. "NAME. EVEN. ONE!"
None of the ponies could even think of a nation.
"We are the best there is, and none can stop us! What once started as criminals and outcasts have now turned into an empire to be feared and respected. Those that were in power have paid for their actions and mistakes, now its Twilight's turn. I want her to know how it feels to be shunned from society, to be hunted down by everyone and everything at all times. I WANT HER TO SUFFER, JUST AS WE HAVE SUFFERED!"
All the ponies in the room suddenly stood at attention.
"For the New Conflagration Confederacy…" The all said in sync.
It practically took all night and…night to accomplish but the entire forest was surrounded by guards. Pegasi and changelings patrolled the sky like wasps while the unicorns and earth ponies maintained the barrier Dark Fire made. Just as he said, one-tenth of his army was chosen to search the entire forest, along with the Elements of Disharmony and Dark Fire. However, they were not alone…
"So it's come to this…"
Enderpearl stood on top of the snowy mountain that Twilight and the others had been staying. The weather was plain and calm, but the atmosphere had changed. The sky had a faint, transparent, glow of red light. Off in the distance, he could see Dark Fire's army slowly disappearing into the fog of war.
"I have been attuned to this forest for as long as I can remember and yet nothing has changed…until now. Dark Fire…what has happened to you. At this very moment you surround us with your darkened empire, hoping to ease the pain in your heart. You will not find it though, for I to have traveled that twisted path with you and nothing fruitful. Yet you still go on…"
"Brother." Endershine said, appearing next to him. "It is as I've feared, the barrier is part of the hatred wave, thus will corrupt anything it touches."
"Then we must tell the others." Enderpearl said calmly, descending down the mountain with his sister.
Upon entering there sanctuary of safety, they were greeted by familiar faces of grim and sadness by the mane six and the commanders.
"Well, what's going on out there?" Lightning Dust asked anxious.
"You want the long description or short description?" Enderpearl asked, without a change in tone.
"It's not like we're going anywhere, just give us the news." Rainbow demanded, impatiently.
Enderpearl nodded his head before using his magic to turn the cave into an observatory. Everypony stared in awe as they saw the Everfree Forest from a bird's eye view.
"As you might have guessed by looking around, we have been tracked down by Dark Fire and his army of darkness."
"You don't say." Silent Wind said sarcasm.
"Silent, this is not the time." Twilight said in a stern voice. "So what's the magical barrier, is it the hatred wave again!" She panicked.
"Yes and no…it's indeed the hatred wave, but it's acting like a shield to keep us in. I would imagine that if one of us where to exit the forest, that its spell would surly take hold. In short, we're stuck here unless we surrender or fight to the very last breath." Enderpearl stated, ending the illusion.
"Well we're screwed then." Bluster Cloud said, plopping down to the ground.
"Your just gonna give up, just like that." Applejack said, acting like a drill sergeant.
"I'm a realist AJ, I can't help it."
"Well with that attitude, they're going to win."
"They've already won, don't you get it." He said, taking Everypony by surprise. "A new, dark age has come over Equestria, one that we tried so hard to stop and prevent, but look at us. We've failed and we are just shells of our former glory. We're just ponies with titles Applejack, we're nothing like the Dis-elements, or even Dark Fire. How are we suppose to fight something like this."
"With faith and hope." Twilight said, lifting the mood. "At the start I had given up hope, with the knowledge that I had probably started this whole situation. But I learned that you can't just give up, no matter how many obstacles get in your way, no matter how many ponies get in your path! We must push forward, for we are what is left of the good of Equestria!"
"Then how do we get past that blasted shield?" Shrill Shot asked.
"Leave that to me." Twilight said with a smile.
"Find her! Remember, we don't leave until every single crack and cavern has been cleared out!" Dark Fire yelled.
As the last squad left into the forest, Maneful gave a huge sigh.
"Thank you, I thought they would never leave."
"What's the matter Maneful, can't take a large crowd of stallions." Ammisive joked.
"I can tolerate you guys can't I. The problem was that they were asking me a bunch of personal questions. Like if a had coltfriend or what my number was, silly things like that."
"They're just curious Maneful, there's no harm in that." Dark Fire said. "Let's search this way."
As Dark Fire and the others walking deeper into the forest, the conversation continued.
"I wouldn't have a problem with it; it's just that I'm not worth it." Maneful continued.
"What do you mean, not worth it?" Stritin asked.
"My dad would make carpets out of them…and because I'm not…what's the word, beautiful."
Everypony stopped abruptly and stared at her confused.
"Maneful, believe me when I say this." Castigate said, walking up to her. "But you're downright gorgeous!"
"No I'm not, why does everypony say that!" Maneful pouted.
"Because you are." Eccentric blurted out.
"Not you to! Do all of you think I'm beautiful…"
All the Dis-elements and even Dark Fire started to avoid eye contact with her, some even whistling to themselves or pawing at the ground with their hooves. Maneful couldn't help but sigh angrily.
"Fine then, you're ugly." Castigate said bluntly.
"Excuse me!"
"You see, there's my point." Castigate said, adjusting his monocle. "Mares are usually attention freaks, saying an obviously false statement to have everypony compliment them. You however, are not like that though. Your self esteem is lower than most mares your age, but high enough to fight back an insult. Maneful, everypony that I talk to thinks you're cute, so why can't you accept that."
"Exactly Maneful, and what you expect us to think." Ammisive defended. "You're our friend, best friend, we're suppose to lift each other up, not put each other down."
"So long as you don't get your head to high in the clouds." Stritin added.
"Ok guys, enough stalling, we have to keep moving. Eccentric, use your hoof blade if the undergrowth gets to thick."
And so they went on, by passing multiple obstacles as they traveled deeper into the forest. New Conversations were always brought up, some being serious and some being comical. However, it was all about to change.
"So one day I showed Trixie a painting, and you know how much of a jerk I was back then." Castigate said.
Everypony nodded.
"So I told her that within this painting lies your hopes, futures, and dreams. Seconds later she tells me, 'There's nothing on the painting but dust.' So I slowly turn to her and say, 'I know.'
"That's just evil." Stritin smirked.
"Well we are the bad guys right." Castigate shrugged. "What do you expect."
"Hey hold on now." Dark Fire interjected. "We're not all bad now, I mean, look at what we've done for everypony."
"At what cost Dark Fire?" Maneful spoke up. "With knocking out the sun for eternity, causing a never ending winter, starting an Equestrian Civil war, where does it stop?"
"That all for a cause Maneful, I had to make sure we would be secure."
"So you honestly believe that what you do…what we do…is correct?"
"I never said it was…"
"Look at what we have done to Equestria! Everypony is just a bunch of mindless zombies, willing to do whatever we tell them without freewill."
"I, no, that's not-
"And what about the rest of you, are you proud of you've done, what you have accomplished?"
Everypony else stayed silent, almost grim like, but the answer was written all over their face.
"I used to look at Celestia and thinkof what an evil ruler she was to her ponies. Think about how she could have the nerve to punish my father, but now…now I understand why. She did it to protect her fellow ponies just like my dad tried to protect me. Now when I think of Celestia and the others, I can't help but feel sorry for them."
"What about Nightmare and them, they never cared for them!" Dark Fire stated.
"She gave her reasons at the trial didn't she? She attempted to help them did she not. But I guess she wasn't the right pony for the job. You, on the other hoof, united them under one authority and redeemed them of their past. Gave them homes, gave them friends…gave them love, just like you have with us. But that doesn't mean we should forget our vows and promises!"
Maneful gave looks the all the elements before starting.
"Eccentric, after joining Dark Fire to destroy the cult that threatened your home, you swore to serve him loyally, not to give up your thinking. You told me about your creed to your family, how you would protect the innocent and the weak from those that sought out to hurt them. Has that moral vanished?"
Eccentric was almost shivering, covering his eyes with his hat.
"Castigate, you say you have all this wealth but yet you don't do anything with it. You say you were sorry that your sister went through the pain that she endured, but there are others like her that you chose not to help. So suddenly, when it's not your family, you can't lend out a bit or two."
Castigate sat there in complete shock, knowing every bit of it was true.
"Stritin, you told me that you were once a proud officer in the Poniet Union, but you escaped when you learned of the harsh and cruel punishments they would do to others. Has that escaped your mind as you saw this war unfold before your eyes?"
He remained silent.
"Lastly, Ammisive, the proud Pegasus. You hated Rainbow so much that you almost destroyed TWO cities just to get revenge. Well you did it, you ran her out of Equestria and left her with nothing, but you still bear a look of sorrow and regret. Tell me, is revenge truly as sweet as they say."
Ammisive looked at her dead in the eyes before turning away, shutting his eyes tightly. When it seemed like she was finished, she made one last bold move.
"Dark Fire, you should know our pain better than anypony else. You took over all of Equestria just to get revenge of Celestia, but you dragged everypony down with her when you could have forgiven her. You did ALL of this because of one misunderstanding."
"Twilight wasn't misunderstood when she told me off." Dark Fire said, sorrowfully.
"Look into your heart of the real you, not this sham you put upon yourself. Look deep in my eyes and truly tell me that Twilight hates you."
Dark Fire looked at her, but the words never came, only silence.
"I cant…"
"Then why do you continue this."
"BECAUSE THERE IS NO OTHER WAY!" Dark Fire screamed, taking everypony by surprise. "Trust me when I say this, because history can repeat itself. If I let Celestia free…you all will endure my punishment."
"Then we'll go though it together."
"NO, I WONT LET YOU! I WONT LET MY FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES SUFFER LIKE ME!"
"We can accomplish anything together, Dark Fire!"
"NOT IF WERE DEAD!"
Thunder crashed in the distance, signifying an approaching storm.
"The punishment for my crimes is death…and the same applies to all of you, and the new rulers. It even applies to…my beloved Trixie. So you see, there's no turning back now, we can only look forward…and hope for the best."
Kind of an abrupt ending because i didn't expect this chapter to be this long. Anyways, the next chapter continues from where this leaves off.