Twilight sat in the music room as the others slowly trickled in after the long day they had. Then after a few minutes she says "So I was curious..." she says to Sunset "What were things like when the other Twilight was here?"
"Well...different...things were a bit more hectic." Sunset says "Like for example when we first met Rage and the others...I was well..."
"A bitch." Applejack says looking up from her magazine.
"What?!" Twilight exclaims "How could you say that?!"
"No, no she's right." Sunset says "I used to prank and make fun of others all the time."
"Even Rage, Sonic and Shadow?" Twilight asks, surprised to hear this.
"Well...not really. They only came into the picture recently." Sunset says "Before I changed..."
"I see…what changed in you…?" Twilight asks.
Sunset looks down. Deep down she couldn't think of a single reason. Was it because being a bully meant she was alone? Was it because she was tired of being an ass to everyone at every waking moment? Or was it because she liked Rage even before she really got to know him? "I don't think I can give you one single answer." She sighs.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Applejack asks, raising an eyebrow.
"I…well…" Sunset says flustered. "I guess one reason was me being tired of having no friends. I was jealous. No matter what, you all remained friends…It was also extremely exhausting bullying everyone…finally…" she blushes "The compassion and understanding Rage showed when I started to realize everything really did it…" she answers.
"Someone really likes him huh?" Applejack laughs.
"Oh shut up!" Sunset barks "I have a right to like who I want."
"Sorry, I didn't mean anything by it." She apologized.
"You know that reminds me." Rainbow Dash says while stretching her arms and hopping down from the stack of desks she had been on "Have you two…you know…." she asks with a smirk.
"Unlike you and Sonic we're not all about that." Sunset scoffs.
"I'll take that as a no." Rainbow Dash snickers.
"I don't see how that's funny Rainbow Dash." Rarity says looking up from her nails. "They didn't hit it off right away like you and Sonic. Or need I remind you that there's more to a relationship than just your hormones?"
"You'd know after that incident with the one bloodsucker guy!" Rainbow shouts bitterly.
"Hey! That wasn't my fault." She scoffs "You were tricked just as easily! Had it not been for Sonic, Shadow and Rage we'd have been stuck with them too!"
"Come to think of it, where are they?" Fluttershy asks in a timid tone.
"I dunno. They're usually here by now." Twilight says checking her phone for the time.
"It's been a crazy three years though." Rainbow Dash says "From music festivals to fighting off dark gods? Sure isn't a dull moment. Especially with those three."
"I am going to miss them." Fluttershy sighs.
"Yeah…after this year they're going back to wherever it was they came from…" Twilight says "Meanwhile we're all heading to college…"
"Maybe we can convince them to stay?" Rainbow Dash asks.
"That's wishful thinking." Rarity scoffs "Besides, their world needs them. You know that Rainbow Dash."
"What happens when we need them though…?" Fluttershy asks.
"What do ya mean by that Flutters?" Applejack asks.
"I mean…remember when that one really evil dude tried enslaving everyone…he said that he'd stop at nothing to have our world…" she answers, shivering from the memories a bit.
"Maybe they'll keep an ear open and come back to help?" Sunset asks.
"I hope so." Twilight says "We should probably head home…it's almost 4:00…"
"You think the guys are okay?" Applejack asks. "Actually, come to think of it, Pinkie's not here either."
"She had to go home after school. Something about helping out at the bakery." Fluttershy says "She told me in the locker room after gym class."
"Geez today was such a drag." Rainbow complains.
"It was a pretty slow day I guess." Twilight says, rubbing her chin. "Even if that makes no scientific sense."
"Well I'll see you guys tomorrow." Sunset says opening the door and walking into the hall. 'Seriously though this is so unlike them…' she thinks. 'Something doesn't feel quite right…'
Sunset returned home for the night and in the morning was back at school extra early. She stood against the statue that held the portal to Equestria and watched people trickle in, looking for Sonic, Shadow or even Rage.
She could hear kids talking amongst themselves and many shrewd comments were being made against her. She'd glare at the kids doing it and they'd quickly look away in fear. "Seriously? It's been three years since that…why are they so fixated on it? I've changed…" she asks herself aloud.
She stood up and turned to look at the statue. She then looks at the face that acted like a portal to Equestria. "I wonder how things are going back in Equestria…" she says going to put her hand on the wall but it slips through. She quickly backed up.
"That's weird." A familiar voice came from behind her and she turned to see Rainbow Dash. "Was your hand…in the statue?"
'That's right then others don't know the truth…' Sunset thinks "No. I just lost my balance." She says.
"I see…" Rainbow nodded, "Anyway have you seen Sonic?"
"No. I haven't seen him, Shadow or Rage yet this morning." Sunset answers.
"Okay. I'll check around then thanks." Rainbow Dash waves as she walks off.
Sunset waited a second and made sure nobody was around before she put a hand on the face of the statue column again. Like before her hand goes through. Quickly she checks her bag and pulls out a book from Equestria on the portal.
Sunset flips through pages and finds the one about when it opens. "That's weird…the portal shouldn't be open right now." She says "Is everything okay in Equestria…?"
"Everything alright Sunset?" She hears Rage's voice and she spins around to see the tal crimson haired boy. She smiles.
"Everything is fine." She says walking over giving him a hug "Where were you yesterday?"
"Oh, right." He sighs scratching his head "Sorry, something came up on Mobius. Sonic, Shadow and I had to rush over to help."
"Well I am glad you guys are okay." She smiles.
"Sonic and Shadow aren't back yet." Rage replies.
"Oh? How come?" Sunset asks.
"They're staying to handle an issue with Robotnik. I came back here. I wasn't needed so I came back. I was just there as transportation for them." Rage answers. "I didn't mean to worry you."
"It's okay." She smiles as they walk inside. "So long as you're okay."
"Sunset I can tell there's something else on your mind." Rage says cocking an eyebrow.
"It's nothing." She says with a soft smile.
"If you say so." He says giving her a hug.
Sunset smiled as she returned the hug. They held the embrace for a minute or two before they stopped. "I should get to class." Rage says, giving her a quick kiss on the forehead.
"Okay." she replies with a smile as he walks off. She then turns back to the statue in the courtyard giving a worried look before she heads off to class herself.
The day goes by slowly but surely for everyone. However the entire day Sunset couldn't take her mind off of the fact that the portal to Equestria was open. It gave her an unsettling feeling in her stomach. The end of the day came and as per normal the girls had all made it to the music room they hung out in.
"I saw Rage today." Applejack says "But I didn't see the other boys."
"Did you ask him about them?" Twilight asks.
"Didn't get a chance to. I just saw him briefly in the halls." Applejack replied.
"Sunset?" Rainbow Dash asks, looking at the fiery haired girl who was spacing off, her mind on Equestria and how things were going there. She didn't reply so Rainbow bumps her. This got her attention.
"Huh? What?" She asks, looking at Rainbow Dash.
"You alright Sunset?" The rainbow haired girl asks. "You seem distracted."
"I am fine." She lies convincingly. "What did you need?"
"We wanted to know if you had a chance to talk with Rage today." Twilight answers for Rainbow Dash.
"Oh!" She exclaims "Yeah, he said Sonic and Shadow are back on their homeworld dealing with something. He came back because he wasn't needed or something like that."
"Well I am glad they're okay." Fluttershy says with a smile.
"Where is Rage then?" Rarity asks. Almost as if on cue Rage walked into the room.
"Hey everyone." He says.
"Rage! We were worried about you." Pinkie Pie squeals as she runs up and hugs him tightly. Rage stood there in a bit of shock from her sudden hug. She held on and slowly the color began leaving his face.
"Pinkie..." he wheezes "Too..tight..." he manages to say. The pink haired girl lets go and smiles rubbing the back of her head.
"Sorry! Got a little too excited huh...?" she says laughing.
"Anyway." Rage says letting a deep sigh out. "Sorry for worrying everyone like that." he apologizes.
"It's alright." Twilight says "We're just glad you're alright. What about Sonic and Shadow? Any idea when they'll be back?"
"I don't know." Rage answers. "It could be a few days. Did I miss anything?"
"Not really." Applejack says "Things have been pretty boring around here."
"Well I guess that's good." Rage sighs "I am glad to not be caught up in something for once. Things have been way too exciting lately."
"Don't jinx it." Sunset chuckles.
"Oh Rage, we were curious yesterday but what are you guys going to be doing after graduation this year?" Rarity asks.
"Well..." Rage sighs, putting a hand to his chin like he was thinking. "I know Sonic and Shadow are heading back to Mobius for good...as for me...I don't know what I will be doing. There's a lot of unknowns for me right now."
"Why not go back with them?" Fluttershy asks. "It is your home after all."
"That may be the case but...I have more than just my feelings to consider. I have to think about what's best for not just me but The Chaos Emeralds. They'd be safer here for example." Rage replies.
"You want to stay here then?" Sunset asks.
"Want to?" Rage asks "Well I want to stay here yes. I love being with all of you." he smiles and yawns.
"Tired?" Applejack asks. Rage blushed embarrassed.
"Yeah..." He admits "But I wanted to see you all before I went home."
"That's sweet of you but you should go home and rest, you look like a mess darling." Rarity says.
Sunset walked up and gave him a hug "See you tomorrow?" she asks. Rage nods and waves.
"See you guys later." he says as he opens the door to the music room and leaves.
Rage walks out of the school and towards home. The late afternoon sun was shining above and providing a nice warmth to the parts of his body in direct contact with it. He made it to his house and walked inside before going to sit on the couch. A long exhausted sigh escaped his mouth as he closed his eyes and fell asleep.
He was woken up by a knock at his door. Confused, he got up and looked at the window to see it was dark outside. With a yawn he went to answer the door. Standing at the door was Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna.
"Are you...Ragis Chaotic?" Celestia asks.
"Y-yeah what do you need Principal Celestia? Vice Principal Luna?" Rage asks concerned. "It's a little late isn't it?"
"Principal?" she asks, confused. "I think you have me confused with another."
"What are you talking about?." Rage says.
"I am Princess Celestia of Equestria." She introduces herself. "This is Princess Luna, my sister."
Rage looks at them for a minute processing what was being said. HIs eyes then lit up. "You mean...you're the rulers of..."
"Correct." Celestia says.
"That would explain why you're having trouble standing." Rage says. "What brings you here looking for me though."
"Princess Twilight said we could find you here." Luna answers.
"I didn't know she was a princess..." Rage says. "Still that doesn't explain why you're here."
"We need your help." Celestia says "Equestria is in danger...and I fear that this world will be next."
"Come in." Rage sighs inviting the two in. They sat down on his couch and he sat in the recliner. "So what's going on?"
"It's an old evil king by the name of Sombra." Celestia says. "We thought Twilight and her friends, the ones in our world, finished him for good but he's back."
"Why come to me?" Rage asks. "What do you want me to do?"
"We want you to come to Equestria and help us." Celestia begs, "Please...this time something is different about him and Twilight said you are strong and well versed in fighting the Darkness."
"Be that as it may, I can't just go galavanting around the worlds." Rage says "I get your plight I really do but...think of the consequences my presence would have in your world. Darkness follows me as much as anything. I already have this world and Mobius to worry about adding Equestria to that list..."
"I understand..." Celestia sighs as she gets up and walks out.
"Sister..." Luna says before looking at Rage. "Rage...please...we wouldn't have come here if we weren't desperate for help and had exhausted all other options...Celestia didn't want to mention it but there was some other unicorn with Sombra...it was pitch black with these horrible murderous red eyes...unlike anything we have ever seen."
Rage looks at Luna "Did this unicorn have a name?" he asks. Luna shook her head.
"We do not know." she answers. "But...Twilight.."
"What about her?" Rage asks almost immediately.
"It did something to her." Luna says "She's not herself...it reminds me of when I was Nightmare Moon...Celestia doesn't so much as want to talk about it."
"What?" Rage exclaims. He leapt to his feet. "Midnight Sparkle..." he says softly.
"How do you...?" Luna asks, looking confused. "Know that name...?"
"There is a Twilight Sparkle here in this world as well...she fell to darkness once and that was what happened. She became that beast..." Rage says "Dammit..." he curses
"Are you okay?" Luna asks.
"I'll do it." Rage says firmly. "If Twilight's gone insane like the one here...I can help her. I have to help her."
"Thank you." Luna says as the two get up and walk outside where Celestia was waiting.
"So?" she asks.
"I'll help." Rage says "You should have been upfront with me from the start though."
"You told him?" Celestia asks Luna.
"We couldn't just not tell him sister no matter how much we want to believe it's not true or how much we want to forget it." Luna says.
"It's our problem-" Celestia starts
"With all due respect Princess, if it involves Twilight it becomes my problem." Rage says sternly "She's my friend so if something is wrong with her I will do everything in my power to help her. You came here to ask me for help did you not?" Celestia looks at Rage frustrated. "If Twilight has been turned or whatever, why come searching for me? How did you find out about me?"
"She spoke highly of you." Celestia replies. "As a friend, she said you had some sort of weird powers."
"I wouldn't call them weird…but to each their own..." Rage says as he walks with the two princesses who wobble some. "You guys okay?"
"This….is a bit out of the ordinary for us…" Luna says. "Walking up right and all..."
The three make it to the statue where Sunset was leaning against it. "Sunset Shimmer!" Celestia shouts scornfully.
"I was wondering why I saw the two of you barely able to stand up straight." She says. "Princesses."
"I should have known you'd have a hand in it!" Luna shouts.
"Hand in what?" Sunset asks, looking confused.
"She's not evil." Rage says "Not anymore."
"Yeah right." Celestia snarls.
"Rage is right. I was wanting to see what was happening in Equestria. It has to be bad if you two came here looking for someone, let alone Rage." Sunset says. "You're going to help them aren't you…?" She asks, looking at Rage.
"I have to…Twilight is in danger…" he replies. "Plus if I don't…it'll spread here."
"I understand Rage…just come back safe…" Sunset sighs. Rage walks up and hugs her.
"I will Sunset…" he promises as they release each other. He then looks at Celestia "Okay…I'm ready."
Celestia walked through the portal with Luna and Rage walked up to it. He looked for a brief minute before looking back at Sunset. "You could come with me." He says.
"It's best I don't." Sunset says. "I don't know how welcoming everypony would be."
Rage nods and looks back at the face of the statue's base that served as the portal and takes a deep breath before walking through.
For a brief moment his vision went white and he felt as if he was being pulled through some tunnel and finally he felt his feet on solid ground. He was very top heavy. "Ahh!" He shouts before he falls forward and lands on his arms.
He kept his eyes closed for a second before he opened them. He was looking at the ground. He looks up to see two beautiful winged unicorns before him. Princess Celestia's pure white coat radiated an elegance of royalty and pastel mane flowed with a calming sense of authority.
Luna was a deep dark blue like the evening sky with her mane flowing like a starry piece of the skies. She walks over "Are you okay?" She asks.
"I…think…so." He says as he looks back down to see two…horse-like legs.
"Don't be alarmed." Celestia says.
Rage backed up and he felt like he was crawling. "What- what happened?" He asks.
"This could be a problem…" Luna says as she walked over to his side and used her front hoof to grab something that was attached to his back.
"Ow!" He exclaimed as she pulled. He ends up relaxing it and he looks at her to see a feathery wing. "What's wrong…?" He asks.
"That doesn't make sense…" Celestia says looking at Rage "Why would he become an Alicorn? He's not of royal Equestrian descent, he was a human. No humans have the power to change into one."
"Ali…corn?" Rage asks.
"Yes. It's what we are." Celestia says. "Horn of a unicorn, wings of the pegasus. All Equestria royalty are. As for you… it makes no sense." She says.
"Why?" Rage asks almost out of instinct.
"We have had humans accidentally come through before." Luna says as she rejoins Celestia by her side. "The form they take is dictated on how powerful they are along with who they are. Mostly earth ponies and pegasi. For someone to have enough power to become an Alicorn though that's unheard of! Look." Luna holds up a mirror to show Rage what he looked like.
Looking back at Rage was a maroon alicorn with emerald green eyes. A smoky grey mane with red highlights parted around the eyes. Two red feathery wings on his side which he stretched and on his rear leg were what appeared to be seven gemstone shapes the same color as the seven Chaos Emeralds.
"Could my Chaos powers be to blame…?" Rage wonders aloud as a trampling sound of hoofs could be heard as a pinkish unicorn comes into the room with a small purple dragon.
"Princesses you've returned!" She exclaims. "Is this the one Twilight mentioned in her diary?"
"Diary?!" Rage exclaims "That's how you found out about me?!"
"Hey I recognize that voice…Rage?" The dragon says getting the, now crimson alicorn's attention.
"Do I know you?" Rage asks confused.
"It's me! Spike!" The dragon exclaims.
"Spike? You were the dog Twilight always carried around." Rage says "You're a dragon?"
"Cool I know." Spike says.
"Not a normal sounding name is it…?" Starlight asks.
"By Equestria standards no." Spike says "Back on that other world though his name is fine."
"Princess Celestia, what exactly did Twilight say about me?" Rage asks.
"She said you were selfless, strong willed and had this strange form of magic." Luna answered for Celestia.
"My Chaos powers." Rage says nodding.
"Chaos?" Celestia asks, "Never heard of it."
"Think of it as life energy." Rage explains "Everyone emits it. It's all around us and is what helps give the world life. I can manipulate that energy into many things. Anyways, the task at hand?"
"Right." Celestia says leading Rage to the balcony slowly as he was still getting used to walking on all fours. A barrier of energy surrounded the town and it was a clear and peaceful night as far as he could see. "Look." She says motioning in the direction of the Crystal Empire where a sinister dark storm was. "We had you come before things got too out of hand. Twilight and her friends tried stopping him but…that was when that unicorn did something to her…"
"I see…" Rage nods "So you want me to stop them and change Twi back?"
"Please." Celestia pleads "Her magic is much too powerful for Luna and I…we tried…"
"I'll do it." Rage agrees "However why did you bring me here as early as you did?"
"We were aware you may need time adjusting to Equestria." Luna says.
"Which is why I should have come with." A familiar voice says as they turn to see a fiery unicorn standing behind them.
"Sunset Shimmer!" Celestia shouts in shock as she glares angrily at the unicorn.
"No!" Rage exclaims running between the two. "Celestia, I don't know what she did in the past here but Sunset has changed…for the better." He says.
Celestia looks at them with a glare "Princess I am sorry for what I did…" Sunset says looking glum. "I was a jerk. However, I have changed. Let me prove it. I can help Rage learn about things here in Equestria."
The white alicorn looks at her still not sure if she was being truthful or lying. Finally she sighs "Very well." She says "No funny business though, got it?"
"I understand Princess. Please know that Twilight is my friend too though…I am worried about her all the same." Sunset replies.
"We should be going." Starlight Glimmer says "It's getting late and our guests are likely tired."
"Princess, perhaps you could fill me in on what's going on...?" Sunset asks.
"Very well...Sister?" Princess Celestia asks and Luna nods. "Luna can tell you all about it. I am going to bed." she says as she leaves the room. "Starlight Glimmer, Spike please show Rage to his quarters and...maybe give him a rundown of what's going on."
"Of course." Starlight answers "Please come with me." she says leading Rage to the guest quarters. "So what do you know?"
"All I was told was Sombra, some unicorn and they took Twilight and turned her into Midnight Sparkle." Rage answers.
"Well that's most of it out of the way then." Starlight sighs in relief. "Basically we need Sombra stopped. That unicorn though, we don't know anything about it. Celestia wants Twilight retrieved but she fears there may be no saving her."
"I can help with that." Rage answers "I am well aware of what's going on with her. I can return her to normal."
"You mean it?" Starlight asks with a glimmer of hope in her eyes.
"Of course." Rage says with an affirmative nod. "I promise."
"Well we will have you taken to The Crystal Empire in the morning along with Twilight's friends...thank you Rage." Starlight says bowing her head as she walks out of the room leaving Rage to himself.
"Now then." he sighs sitting on the bed "Black unicorn...it couldn't be could it?" he wonders aloud. "I hope my concerns are ill founded." he sighs as he lays down and drifts off to sleep.
Rage opens his eyes to the morning sun and sits up. He looked around to see a room that wasn't familiar. He had to think for a minute. "So it wasn't some dream." he says, recognizing he was still in the guest room of Canterlot Castle.
Rage got out of bed and walked down the grand hall where Sunset Shimmer was just coming out of another room. "Good morning." she says with a smile as she walks up and meets him about halfway.
"Good morning Sunset." he smiles, still sleepy.
"You seem to be getting the hang of walking around here." she chuckles.
"You think?" he asks.
"You don't look like a total doofus now." she comments.
"Oh thanks." he scoffs.
"Ah you're awake!" Starlight exclaims as she walks up to them. "Good."
"Starlight...right?" Rage asks, looking at her. The mare nods.
"Yes." She smiles. "We have little time. The train leaves soon so let's make haste." she orders.
"So early..." Rage yawns "Okay." He follows her out of the castle and to a train station where other ponies were waiting.
"Good morning girls." Starlight says and the five turn to meet the three. There was a white unicorn with a purple mane, an orange pony with a tanish ponytail and a large cowboy hat, a pink pony with a messy pink mane, a yellow pegasus with a long pink mane, and a blue pegasus with a rainbow colored mane. Rage couldn't help but think of his friends but...as animals by looking at the five.
"This is him?!" the white unicorn exclaims.
"Everyone meet Ragis Chaotic." She introduces Rage to them.
"Nice to meet ya partner, names Applejack." the orange pony introduces herself. "This is Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash and..." she stops as the pink ponies neck stretches all the way up till her face is inches from Rage and he looks a bit concerned. "and...Pinkie Pie..." she says with a heavy sigh as the pony's body shoots up to join her head.
"Oooo what a weird and ominous name." Pinkie says.
"My friends call me Rage for short." Rage says "It's nice to meet you all."
"I didn't know there were any other Alicorns aside from the princesses." Rainbow Dash says, looking at Rage's wings.
"Uh...surprise?" he asks as they board the train.
"Does that make you a Prince? Or some kind of royalty?" Rarity asks.
"Uh..." Rage pauses "No?" he says in a questioning manner.
"We're going to the Crystal Empire...?" Rage asks, trying to shift topics.
"Yeah, to confront Sombra and...Twilight..." Rainbow Dash answers "I don't see why we needed to wait for someone like you though...we would have been fine."
Rage felt a sting from the half handed comment but he kept quiet. He knew he couldn't speak of how he knew Twilight or anything about the Human World with the ponies in front of him, even if they are practically the splitting image of his friends…just ponies…
"If I knew I'd tell you." Rage lies. "All I can say is your Princesses found me in that world and asked for my help."
"But why help?" Rainbow Dash asks "I mean Equestria isn't your problem."
"I guess you could say I am a sucker when it comes to helping someone in need." Rage shrugs.
The rest of the ride was a bit of an awkward silence until they stopped. An older pony in a conductor uniform then walks into the car they were in "This is as far as I can go." he says "Tracks are out."
"Guess that means we have to walk." Applejack says.
"Great." Rarity sighs "I hope this is worth it." she mutters as the seven exit the train into the snowy drifts. They looked at the Crystal Empire in the distance. A strange dark purple glow along with a spinning malstrom hung over and around the castle town.
"That stuff is what's been spreading round ever since Sombra and that Unicorn started to send their demons across Equestria...Ponyville was covered a few days ago. All that's left is Canterlot and some countryside." Applejack says to Rage who was focused on it.
"Darkness." Rage says.
"Pardon me?" She asks.
"It's Darkness..." Rage sighs "If that's true...I fear what lies ahead."
"Don't worry!" Rainbow Dash chuckles "We can handle anything! We're the Elements of Harmony!"
"But without Twilight...will they even work...?" Fluttershy asks fear in her tone.
"Ah I am sure we can do it." Pinkie Pie cheers hopping her way to the Crystal Empire.
"I don't know about this." Rarity says with fear clouding her voice.
"Ah know what ya mean sugarcube." Applejack says "Somethin' don't feel right."
The group walked slowly making progress as the sun slowly moved through the skies. It was about midday when they had stopped to rest. "Is this common place here?" Rage asks.
"Nah occasionally we have to kick some bad guy butt but normally things are pretty peaceful." Rainbow Dash says.
"I'd say even a little too peaceful." A voice comes from behind the group and they turn to see Twilight walking up to them.
"Twilight!" Pinkie cheers. The group got to their feet.
"We thought they...they did something terrible to you!" Rarity says. Rage looks skeptically and extends a hoof as a silent notion to stay back. Rarity glares at the crimson alicorn with anger. "What are you doing?" she scoffs.
"That's not Twilight." Rage says darkly "Why don't you stop pretending."
"What are you talking about?" Twilight asks. "Of course it's me! Princess Twilight Sparkle!"
"Ah think he's right." Applejack says. "Something don't feel quite right."
"Figures." Twilight sighs as a dark green fire engulfed her to show a black misty humanoid figure.
"One of the demons!" Rainbow Dash shouts.
"Dark Spawn!" Rage shouts as he leaps up and his horn glows "Chaos Lance!" he shouts and a spear of energy strikes the figure causing it to vanish completely.
"What was that?!" Rarity exclaims.
"Sorry about that." Rage chuckles nervously.
"No really what WAS that?!" Rainbow exclaims "I've never seen anything like it."
"It's my...magic." Rage says "Sorry if I startled you."
"Wow! That was awesome!" Pinkie Pie exclaims "It just went poof!"
"If there was one then there's going to be others. We should move." Rage says.
"Hold up." Applejack says "Who put you in charge?" she asks him, looking with a distrustful glare. "As a matter of fact you acted pretty chill around that demon...you even called it something else...what do you know?"
Rage sighs "It's a Dark Spawn...they're creatures that are collections of dark and negative energies given sentience. Which was why they just poof like that when defeated. They return to the natural darkness." he explains "I know because I have dealt with them before...from where I come from."
"I didn't know that the world Twilight went to had these things as well." Rainbow Dash says. "Or she never mentioned them at least."
"What are you talking about?" Rage asks.
"We knew the Princesses were going to look for answers in that one weird world in the mirror that Twilight went after Sunset Shimmer in but we didn't know it was so dangerous." Rarity explains.
"I see...they found me in the lands outside of Equestria though...not some other world." Rage says. They looked at him awkwardly and without another word they continued.
Finally near sundown they were at the entrance to the city. "Here we are..." Applejack says "Gosh this place looks..."
"Scary..." Fluttershy whimpers. They stood there for a minute before they heard hooves clicking against the cobble road...multiple sets. Out of the dark fog covering the city came Sombra, Midnight Sparkle and the black unicorn.
"I should have guessed this would be their last resort." Sombra's deep sinister voice chuckles.
"You shouldn't have come." Midnight says to them. "I let you all off easy last time."
"Why are ya doing this?!" Applejack asks.
"You really don't get it." Midnight laughs "We're doing it because we want the power that comes with spreading Darkness!"
"Something you innocent ponies wouldn't understand." the dark unicorn chuckles. Rage's eyes lit up when he heard the voice. "But we're not going to waste anymore time." it chuckles as it shapeshifts into a tall grey skinned humanoid with dark purple hair and glowing red marks all over its body.
"What are you?!" Rarity exclaims in fear.
"Stand firm girls we've faced worse!" Rainbow Dash says
"I am known as Dex." The figure says "The one here to ruin all you hold dear."
'Dex.' Rage thinks 'I should have known!'
"Now you can bow to me or face your end." Sombra laughs. The ponies shook in overwhelming fear.
"Afraid yet reluctant." Midnight cackles "You are pathetic!"
"I see...Midnight end them." Sombra says "Dex and I have preparations to make for the final march on Canterlot."
"With pleasure." She chuckles as she casts a large ball of Darkness at the group.
Rage quickly leaps up and puts a barrier of energy up that blocks the attack. The collision caused snow and smoke to be thrown into the air. "I won't let you." the crimson Alicorn sneers.
"What?" Twilight asks in shock. "An Alicorn? Who are you..."
"You know who I am." Rage says looking her dead in the eyes. "If you'd only remember."
"What's he goin' on about?" Applejack asks.
"You cannot fool me with your mind games pony!" Midnight shouts as she fires a beam of magic at Rage who leaps out of the way.
"All of you stay back!" Rage exclaims. "If I am going to cleanse Twilight I need space...I don't want you all to get hurt..."
"What do you mean?" Rainbow Dash scoffs "We'll be fine."
"I think right now we just go with it, Dash." Applejack says "You saw how powerful Midnight Sparkle is and Sombra is worse than she is! Then Celestia knows what that black unicorn is capable of."
Rainbow Dash sighs "Fine." she says as she and the other girls take cover a safe distance from Rage and Twilight's battle.
"Now then." Rage says "We can do this...without the need to hold back."
"Good." Midnight smirks as she flies down to mere feet from Rage.
"Chrono Chaos: Halt!" Rage shouts stopping time around Midnight Sparkle.
"What?!" Sombra exclaims.
"Impossible!" The black unicorn says in shock.
"Now!" Rage shouts as his horn glows a bright white.
"What's he doing?!" Rarity exclaims.
"Purify!" Rage shouts and the large white ball flies to Twilight striking her.
"NO!" Rainbow Dash shouts as she flies over and hits Rage square in the face before dragging him away. "You lied to us!" she shouts, punching him again.
"Rainbow Dash!" Applejack shouts as she runs over
"Get off of me!" Rage shouts using his hind legs to buck her off of him. He wipes the blood from his cheek and glares at her. "I did no such thing!"
"Then what in Celestia's name was that?!" Rainbow Dash screams.
"A purification spell..." Rage says with anger shrouding his voice. "I stopped time around her first to prevent her from dodging the attack! Total Purification is a powerful and taxing spell for me to use. I had to make sure it worked. Does that explain it?!" he barks.
Rainbow Dash looks at him with distrust in her gaze as they could hear Twilight scream. They all shot their heads around to see her flailing in the air holding her head. "What's going on?!" Rainbow exclaims.
"It's Twilight's real personality...she's fighting to regain control..." Rage says as he gets up. "It sounds a lot more painful than it is..."
Magic began to spark and swirl around Twilight and discharge in violent bolts and blasts. They had no target and were totally random. Quickly Rage put up a bubble shield to protect the girls from the onslaught of magic. Sombra and the Unicorn both retreated deep into the dark fog.
About two minutes go by and finally Twilight's coloration returns to normal and she begins to fall to the ground. Rage puts down the barrier and Rainbow Dash goes to grab her out of the air. Twilight falls hard into Rainbow Dash who crashes into the ground and lets out a sigh of relief. She rolls Twilight off of her and stands up. Twilight lays there passed out.
"Is she...going to be okay?" Rarity asks as Rage walks up. Rainbow stood there firmly. Rage sighs.
"She'll be fine." he says "It's...not usually that much of a...display..." he says.
"What do you mean?" Fluttershy asks. "Twilight is special or something?"
"You could say that..." Rage says. "Though not in a good way I am afraid...generally that sort of reaction is more common with those who have dark selves deeply seeded into their personality...I had no idea Midnight was as...well...I guess close would be the best word I can think of..."
"I don't think I understand any of what you just said." Rainbow Dash says "Are you saying that this Midnight Sparkle isn't even Twilight?"
"Eegh..." Rage groans "How to explain it..." he says aloud. "Here..." Rage then grabs two snowballs to use as an example "This is me." he says moving the right one up and down. "And this one is Twilight." he says moving the left one up and down. "Normally most people, like me...have just one 'self' per body meaning we're us no matter what." He explains "Sure we can have things like multiple personalities but in the end, we're still the same person. So when Total Purification is used the darkness or energy corrupting the person causing the change in personality is purged from the body returning them to normal."
Rage then puts his snowball down and moves the one that represents Twilight to the front. "In some cases, especially those with massive power and a high affinity to good or evil..." he says as he splits the snowball into two. "A second self develops when exposed to the opposite energy. It takes over the body and mind becoming itself while the original is locked away in darkness. Stuck in a strange realm between it all. Sometimes they can see, feel and know what this dark or other thing is doing with them but they can't do anything about it..." He explains "In that case when Total Purification is used..." he then mashes the snowballs back together. "It forces both of them to fight for the body...in the end..." he then splits the snowball again and drops one half. "Only one will have control and the other will be sealed away...however it makes it much more difficult for the losing side to ever surface again. If it does then the same applies for the one in control. They will have an even harder time taking it back even if Total Purification is used again."
"I think I get it...?" Rainbow Dash says "That Midnight isn't really Twilight?"
"More or less." Rage says. "Which was why she had such a violent reaction to my spell...I wasn't expecting that...I'm sorry."
"You have nothing to apologize for. You kept your promise and saved Twilight." Applejack says "Thank you."
"Of course." Rage smiles.
"If you're all done with the sob stories and all..." Sombra says "It's time you pay for your insolence."
"Come at us." Rainbow Dash says "We're ready!"
"If you insist," he chuckles, firing dark magic at the group who leap out of the way. Rage retaliated with a barrage of Light based energy spears.
Sombra puts up a wall of dark magic to nullify them however one manages to get through and hits him in the face causing a large explosion of energy that causes Sombra to go flying back a few feet. The unicorn lands on it's side and then gets back up; some scratches were now visible on the unicorn from Rage's attack.. "You little..." the dark unicorn says
"There's more where that came from!" Rainbow Dash shouts as she flies in and strikes the unicorn in the face. Then flies back around hitting the other side.
"Insolent fools!" Sombra shouts as he casts a magical grip that holds everyone in place.
"Let us go!" Rainbow Dash yells.
"I am not going to let some pretty ponies and their boyfriend Alicorn just waltz in and ruin everything! I have worked too hard for this!" Sombra shouts as the magic squeezed them to the point it was even painful.
"What did you call me?" Rage asks with some grunts of pain in between the words.
"You heard me you little-" Sombra says before Rage fires a beam of Light energy at him without warning. He dropped everyone and staggered back.
"I am nobody's boyfriend here..." Rage snarls as he glows with a golden energy. "I am here to protect Equestria and save Twilight on my own accord, not because I am with one of these ponies." he states as he fires lances of light energy at him. Sombra leaps to the side and evades the swarm.
Sombra grits his teeth as Twilight slowly begins to wake up. Sombra, knowing he couldn't take on all of them alone, snorted. "You win this round you ponies but this isn't over..." he says before vanishing into a black mist with a sinister chuckle. The ominous green glow of his eyes remained shortly after the fire before fading as well.
"Come back!" Rainbow Dash shouts as she leaps to where the dark King had been only to impact the ground.
"Let him go." Rage says with a sigh. "We should get Twilight back to Canterlot for her own safety. We've won the day, we can chase him later."
"But..." Rainbow objects.
"I agree with Rage." Applejack says "We should regroup for now."
"Fine." Rainbow Dash sighs as they take Twilight back to Canterlot. The had saved her and backed Sombra into the corner. This battle was theirs. However the war wasn't over. There was more to be done and that other pony was still a mystery. Rage swore he'd help them get Twilight back but now...he felt inclined to help finish the job if he could bring himself to do it though is another question entirely...