Ponyville, the city of ponies as it is, was home to many nervous and agitated ponies and all kinds of creatures from dragons to misfits, gryphons, hippogriffs and buffaloes, everyone had heard of the great battle that took place at White Tail Woods, and most of the world, everyone else they were touched by the new threat that had spilled over the world in the form of a terrible threat, there was also a noticeable hope mixed with the uncertainty of someone completely new, many during these four days talked more about man than about the scarlet legions, come the latter were real here a threat, and yet everything was focused on a man, whispers were heard everywhere, loud conversations were heard, even newspapers were full of various headlines, but no one had the courage to offend a person in words or newspapers, fear perhaps it did its job in vain that no one was in able to say on an unknown bad word.
The past four days of waiting and observation, Equestria and the nearby houses of dragons, hippogriffs and changelings were constantly patrolled and monitored, and each day seemed to be a week of uncertainty and medication, because an attack could occur at any moment, everyone knew that scarlet monoliths could emerge everywhere, giving birth to countless legions which so far no one has been able to stop except man, and man himself was a mystery to everyone and could also attack.
Come four days have passed since the last attack of the scarlet legions and so far there was peace no one felt at ease knowing that this was just the beginning and Akeron and his scarlet legions were regrouping their forces and man, there were too many questions here. Of course, on this fourth day, Ponyville was touched by something else, or rather someone, namely by the princess Twilight Sparkle marching through the streets, who was just walking alone wanting to make a pleasant surprise for her friends who together create the so-called The Mane Six. As each pony bowed her head to their princess, Twilight herself was engrossed in thoughts about Sunset Shimmer and her mission in the human world, seeking knowledge about humans, and so far, after four days, she hasn't even given a sign of her life.
- what stopped her, maybe she found something more about a man, you Alex, tell who, why, why, why, why, why you helped me, why I was so stupid, I shouldn't attack you. Twilight whispered to herself, trying to find an answer to at least one of the questions.
Twilight was so busy with questions and looking for answers that she was walking almost blind again, almost hitting the lantern. Seeking knowledge and answers to everything, Twilight was so anxious to find answers to all questions that she didn't even hear the screams of the three ponies that ran up to her, first stopping the surprised Alicorn, then bowing their heads, finally greeting Twilight in a tender embrace.
- Twilight, how good to see you. Sweetie Belle said pleased.
- we haven't seen you for so long, so long. Scootaloo said.
- a long time, after all, only four days ago we saw each other, you know. Twilight said looking at the orange pegasus, the yellow earth pony mare, and the light gray unicorn.
- yeah, four days ago we met at, well, but what we mean is that you haven't visited Ponyville in two months. Apple Bloom said.
Twilight looked at the city and her crystal castle, which she had not actually seen in a long time, and this was related to the present duties of ten years and the new archaeological discoveries of the past weeks, even though Twilight was justified by her duties, she felt regret that she had not seen her own for so long. home.
- I know I was not here for a long time, forgive me, now I will never promise that. Twilight Sparkle said with noticeable regret.
- no, please, Twilight, don't feel sorry for yourself, you know everything changes, everything, you finally have your responsibilities and the world for ten years was really free from all evil until now. Scootaloo said, recalling those days with fear.
- it was truly scary and it still is. Scootaloo added.
- and what exactly, Tirek, Chrysalis, the adult Cozy Glow, Sombra, their superior Akeron or the human, Alex Kowalski. She asked Apple Bloom to which her friend did not know what to answer.
- I do not know myself, I was so afraid of these scarlet monsters, I was so afraid of four tyrants, man, I do not know, I was afraid of him and now I do not know, when he looked into my eyes, his compassionate look, his blue eyes, alone I don't know if we should be afraid of him. Scootaloo said bluntly.
- well, I don't know it either, he saved our tails in Manehattan and now there, come he used his indescribable power against you. Sweetie Belle said.
- because he was provoked. Twilight suddenly intervened, looking determinedly at the crystal lock, being angry solely at herself.
- and what's worse, I was also provoked.
- Twilight don't blame yourself. You fought for all of us and he seemed to be hostile. Scootaloo said, nudging the princess with her wing.
- You didn't do anything wrong. Apple Bloom said.
- I know, but I shouldn't, he is not our enemy. Twilight said, practically sure of one thing.
- definitely?. Sweetie belle asked.
- definitely. Twilight replied.
At the same moment, a dragon with pale purple scales emerged from the crystal castle high up, seeing his friend Spike jumped and ran to Twilight, grabbing her in a firm embrace that he had never been able to as a small dragon and assistant.
- Twilight how good you are, I thought your current responsibilities would make you never leave Canterlot again. Spike said.
- and yet I found the time because so far we are waiting for Sunset Shimmer until he returns, we are also waiting for the next move of the scarlet legions, so far the movements of these steel monsters have not been noticed and so far we can do nothing but wait so I could not refuse to go back again see my friends and my home. Twilight said smiling at her dragon friend.
- it's great that you are here, wait a minute, and you three, what are you doing here, I thought that after meeting a man, your sisters gave you a detention or something.
- First, Spike, we're too big for that, and second, I think we stopped the man. Said Apple Bloom, trying to brag come all the praise rather deserved her friend.
- in fact, you are probably right, if it were not for you fear to think what a human would do. Spike said smiling at the proud Scootaloo.
- I doubt that man, I mean Alex, that he would want to hurt any of us. She told Twilight which quickly caught everyone's attention.
Spike shook his head to end the discussion and waved Twilight to come with him.
- we'd better go, Twilight, we'll make a surprise, if you want, you can go too, go ahead, your sisters won't chase you out. Spike said they are smiling at the three mares.
- sure, let's go with you. Sweetie Belle said, jumping up and down like the child Alex was talking about.
All five went inside the crystal castle to see the five of the Mane Six discuss the scarlet legions and the man. All the words suddenly disappeared as soon as everyone saw their friend. - Twilight, what are you. She asked Rarity but was never able to finish the question as the seated Pinkie Pie ran to her friend turning the crystal chair with a white unicorn with a filet mane sitting in its place.
- Twilight, how wonderful it is to see you here again!. Pinkie Pie screamed as the pink earth pony nestled against her friend, the other friends did the same.
- how good it is that you are here with us again, we are together again as always. Applejack said, an orange ponytail with a blonde mane gripped her friend tightly as always in such situations.
- it's a pity that we always unite in bad times when the world is in danger. Creamy Fluttershy stated shaking her pink mane.
- just why only such times and events unite us the most, as Pinkie Pie said, why don't we meet at some party. Rainbow Dash said, releasing her hug and scratching her rainbow mane.
- right, the party would come in handy after the scarlet legions were defeated, by man. Pinkie Pie said, looking at the three additional guests of her best friends' sisters.
- and what are you doing here, I thought you had a detention. Applejack said, looking at her little sister Apple Bloom.
- barrier?, But we are, after all, big, grown up. Apple Bloom said stepping on an equal footing with her sister.
- You know, Alex, this man says otherwise. Rarity said, trying to be taller than her little sister.
- Just because he says things like that doesn't mean we're little kids, besides, if it weren't for us, if it weren't for Scootaloo, fear to think what this man would do to all of you. Sweetie Belle said, raising her head to fight her sister for the higher position.
- He wouldn't do anything to you anyway. Twilight spoke up, defending the human again.
- No, I don't know, when he stood over me he looked as if he wanted to tear me in half. Said Rainbow Dash, recalling that day and the moment when she looked at the man and her sister Scootaloo stood in his way.
- I saw something else in his eyes, about the man himself and the scarlet legions, what is known about them, Twilight tell us because I am dying of curiosity. She asked Scootaloo consciously wanting to shift the conversation and the main topic of their barrier about the present threat of the scarlet legions and man.
As it turned out, Scootaloo's words obtained the greatest success, because they all looked at Twilight who sat down thoughtfully in her seat.
- so far we do not know anything except what we know, Akeron, his four chosen ones are lurking somewhere, Alex Kowalski from the human world is elusive so far, fortunately for us he fights with our common enemy, at least this is what it looks like, claiming that fate and the nothingness born of him lead evil to a great war, it is really shocking I always thought that fate is our friend here, and yet Akeron being a pawn in the hands of the fact that strength has become the greatest threat to all of us and to the whole world, but at the present time it's quiet, absolutely quiet, the scouts have not noticed neither the man nor the scarlet legions, nothing, empty, until Sunset Shimmer returns, there is nothing we can do but watch and wait. Twilight Sparkle said, looking at everyone gathered as they had in the past seated in crystal chairs provided by Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom with additional chairs.
- and whether we really need it, knowledge about man. Applejack asked.
- it can be very important, come Alex himself told us a lot about himself in his world, we can find answers to many questions that bother us. Twilight Sparkle said.
- did he have friends. Rarity said.
- did he have any beloved pet. Fluttershy said.
- if he cares about someone. Applejack said.
- whether he went to parties and was the life of the party. Pinkie Pie said as she pulled a tube of confetti from her pink mane.
- if he had any weaknesses. Rainbow Dash said, and her response focused everyone's eyes on that sudden voice responding to the blue pegasus's claims.
- he had no weaknesses and he doesn't care about anything from the ground. Sunset Shimmer said.
- Sunset when you got back. Twilight asked, jumping out of the crystal chair.
Sunset Shimmer didn't answer right away, instead she put her backpack on the table, scattering the first pair of comics, photos, and a movie poster, ending up with what could be described as a human journal.
- first, as you know or not, because apart from Twilight, you did not participate in the meeting. Sunset Shimmer said.
- Twilight told us something that a man imagines powers, weapons and so on from some comic books. Fluttershy said, looking at the first photo which immediately caught the attention of her and every girl's attention.
- gosh what a cake. Applejack and her little sister Apple Bloom said simultaneously as they looked at the captain's photos.
- Well, this one here is also my favorite, oh, his, you know. Sunset Shimmer said in between giggles.
- cake, girls, it's meat. Rarity said as she suddenly passed out.
- Rarity!. Screamed Spike trying to awaken his love, but as he looked at the photo and all his friends staring at the captain's photos, a wave of sheer jealousy passed through the young dragon's mind, Spike grabbed the photo and in front of everyone he tore it to small pieces and finally treated it with his own. the dragon's breath.
- Spike, what have you done, hooligan. Rarity said in a raised voice.
- I did it for you, Rarity, the photos have a bad effect on you. Spike said without hiding his jealousy.
- I think someone is jealous here. Pinkie Pie said teasing the baby dragon.
- okay, okay, let's stop dealing with the irrelevant issue and let's deal with the issue of man. Sunset you talked to the princesses about it. Twilight asked, directing the topic of discussion to a topic important to her and the world.
- so I talked, the princesses sent their messengers and rightly agreed that man is not a threat, but there is no way to surprise or weaken him, except for genuine and sincere tears that would be important to him. Sunset Shimmer said, her head bowed regretfully.
- meaning. Tell us what you know about the man. Twilight Sparkle asked.
An orange unicorn with a fiery mane brought everyone's journal and everything that was written down.
- this is his diary, he described much of his sad past and how he strove to the present state, fighting with the whole world, never to lose his childhood and willpower. Sunset said.
- So you know something we don't know. Scootaloo asked, looking at the journal with everyone.
- Yes, I know a lot, but getting it was not easy, all in all, the location of the man's house was not that difficult, I quickly found him in the database and his apartment, but when I got the journal from his room, nothing was so normal, you can say that I had a lot good luck, because five minutes later, when I left his apartment next to the block, there were probably twenty vehicles, black secret service cars, FBI, military services, there was a lot of that, they turned the apartment over, the whole building upside down, nothing was in its place and they took from the apartment everything that had an information value for them, notebooks, books, photos, a computer, interestingly for an IT specialist, or rather a hacker, Alex loved to write a lot for notebooks, in any case here is his diary and what was part of his sad history. it created him as he is now mad. Said Sunset Shimmer as she opened her diary and told everything exactly from the beginning of man's childhood to the last days that led him to the world of the ponies.
- say, don't keep us in suspense. Twilight said with a slight shiver.
- Alex never had a nice, loving family, unfortunately his overbearing mother, perfectionist in every way liked to destroy him in every possible way, whatever he didn't do was always wrong, he was always that stupid, weak, ram for her, unworthy of being her son, she often threatened him to hit him so much that he would be on the wall, there was no such day that he would not be attacked by his sick mother. Sunset Shimmer said, looking regretfully at the journal with regret that was reflected in each of the eyes and the eyes of the dragon.
- and his father didn't react. Rarity asked.
- no, he did nothing and even worse, you must know that Alex has a younger brother, and their father has always introduced a tradition of constant competition and contempt for losers at home, he said that in this way he wants to prepare his sons to fight for theirs in ruthless and brutal world, but Alex, in spite of his father and brother, never took part in a fight, in a competition with his brother because he wanted to change the world, he did not want to submit to the current rule and be part of a great machine that crushes and crushes on its way. It infuriated my father and it ended differently, the worst was when Alex helped his brother, his father punished him with a belt, shouted for him not to cry, to be tough and ruthless but he always went against everything. Said Sunset Shimmer herself, not knowing how someone like Alex never gave up on his childhood and dreams despite such initial experiences.
There was an eloquent silence for a moment in the crystal chamber, interrupted by Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash as they rose from their armchairs and hugged their sisters.
- Forget what I said to Sweetie Belle, will you forgive me. Rarity said, and her sister gave her a firm hug.
- always, I know you want to protect me, but the time has come when I will protect you. Sweetie Belle said, forgiving her sister as Apple Bloom and Scootaloo did.
- how sweet. Fluttershy said.
- perfect opportunity!. Pinkie Pie yelled as she leapt over the table and blasted confetti.
- Pinkie! As always, you only think about one thing, but the occasion is really perfect, I wish I had a mane like you. Spike said.
- but you've got fire, Spike, who better not light fireworks like you. Pinkie Pie said hugging the dragon.
- I don't want to interrupt you guys, but you know, Sunset keep going. She was visiting Twilight.
- of course, in his life, Alex met with many similar events, understanding, friendship, everything was artificial and driven by some interests, school, first job, they were their own and not theirs everywhere, and his mother, as always, motivated him perfectly, saying that nothing from it will not. Father said that he did not know how to fight for his own and his brother used him to build his capital, only he rejected one, the one he loved. Sunset Shimmer said.
- he was in love!?. Twilight Sparkle screamed as she leaned in shock over the table and the journal.
- it's probably obvious, he's twenty-two after all, so he had to fall in love once, that's normal. The orange unicorn said.
- what happened and what happened next. Twilight said as she sat down in her chair hiding a slight flush on her face.
- this is the saddest story, Alex was in love with an older girl, his teacher with black hair, but she had a husband and two children, so Alex didn't say anything about her, he overcame this feeling and wrote directly, he is unable to fall in love with anyone from his world, in people. Sunset Shimmer said, and her words triggered another wave of sadness, except Twilight looked down at the stole with a smile running across her lips.
- and what happened next. Fluttershy, the most saddened, asked.
- He continued to dislike the world very much for everything that was bad, for wars, conflicts, greed, his special dislike for international organizations for the so-called double standards, breaking democracy where it is convenient for them. Sunset Shimmer said.
- it's really dishonest on their part to be so cynical, but what happened next, what did the man do with all of this. Sweetie Belle asked.
- you probably know, Alex discovered that the world is like this because destiny destroys it, this force calls nothingness and empty people who break the child's innocence, dreams, they say that there is no Santa and such, they forbid them to cry, make them be tough, smart , cunning, ruthless, and destiny due to nothingness, once it breaks their half of children in people, destroys willpower in adults, so people become empty, easy to manipulate, Alex claims that the present evil of humanity is dictated by the sadistic power of destiny, only he he was able to resist everything and forge his own fate, it made him find a portal to our world, if he had his journal with him, he would probably continue to write more, but you know how it is, he is here to stop destiny, nothingness and his pawn, which is Akeron, of course, this is only a guess, because what will happen if he decides that we too are part of the power of destiny. Sunset Shimmer said, raising another wave of questions among everyone, but among all of them there were four ponies that were sure of one.
- he is definitely not angry and now I can see it, he has suffered so much evil and yet he has never followed the path that the whole world put before him. Apple Bloom said.
- I think exactly the same, I saw it in his eyes, he doesn't look like he has ever turned against us, I know it will be good to defend us, us and the general good. Scootaloo said, recalling the day of the great battle and the words of Sunset Shimmer.
- I see it that way too, but just out of curiosity why he needs a tear of Scootaloo. Sweetie Belle asked and her question was so far unreadable.
- I do not know what he is crying for, despite the fact that it reminds him of what he has not seen in his world, but I know one thing, he is not angry and will be our greatest ally and even friend, I would like it to be that way. Twilight Sparkle said, smiling to herself as she thought of something else.
- so what now. Suddenly Spike asked, focusing his attention on everyone.
- well I am definitely coming home to the human world. Sunset Shimmer said.
- but only tomorrow, today I will stay here and tomorrow I will definitely come back.
- and we probably wait until Akeron activates his legions, or his four chosen ones attack. But will we be ready for it and will we be able to deal with it ourselves?. Applejack said.
- I don't know if we can make it, we can only hope that Alex will help us again. Said Twilight Sparkle as she walked away from the table and looked out the window at Ponyville, looking in the sky for the one who, against all his world, never let himself be defeated and found himself in her world.
Twilight, looking out the window, saw a raven flying, no wonder she thought, but if she looked straight in the eyes, she would see immediately that the raven is different, part of the scarlet legions and was just returning to his master, to the New Abyss.
MEANWHILE NEW ABYSS
The Raven, who had only been in Ponyville for five hours, was just finishing telling his lord and the four chosen ones about the knowledge he had stolen from the crystal castle, telling every word, every sentence, everything he heard, the image of the head of the six-eyed and seven-legged elemental lord seemed more and more gloomy, Akeron knew that he found someone who is a real madman but believed in one thing, that a man come is crazy will be a hero who are heroes from comic books and movies.
- so you are very much like them, you have a sad past, funny, you weren't broken, you fought until you got here. Akeron said.
- master, and if he is right, if we are slaves, why can't we make a different decision. Asked the adult Cozy Glow.
Akeron looked amused at the adult mare Alicorn, her twisted mane, and laughed out loud. - oh yes, we have no choice, we are puppets, how funny it is, we chose, you chose, I chose, this is our path that we follow, and if you want to give up, if any of you want to forgive those who failed you, then go ahead. So!. Akeron said.
The elemental lord knew each of his chosen ones very well, he knew how ambitious his chosen ones were, how much they wanted to reach their adversaries and exert their revenge on them, it was too strong for everyone.
Cozy Glow, Tirek, Chrysalis, and Sombra stared at the face of their lord levitating between the three scarlet monoliths and nodded.
- fools, we will never be anyone's puppets, maybe people, but not us. Tirek said, clenching his fists, dreaming of revenge on Twilight and all those who brought him down.
- right, I will not depart, I will regain my people, Thorax will regret the day he took my changelings from me. Chrysalis said, looking at the pedestal with its gleaming gyroscope.
As everything focused on the words of revenge, King Sombra approached the face of the elemental lord.
- remember what you promised me, Akeron you gave me your word that I will soon regain my crystal empire! That I will finally get my enemies, because Cadance and Shining Armor will suffer for taking my kingdom from me. Sombra said sounding angrily and his voice shocked all those who never dared to talk to their superior in such a way, despite the anger, fury shown by the black unicorn Akeron was more pleased with the attitude of his chosen one.
- excellent, I am happy with your enthusiasm.
- but!. He said shouting Sombra.
- any buts, I'll give you your revenge. You will lead my legions, war will draw power essences from fighting united ice, let them fight, you will have your vengeance, and I will gather power essences, thus we will kill many birds with one stone. You will surround the city, let my legions fight the defenders, and when you obscure them with the fog of war you will attack the palace, you will know when, and when you get to the palace you will kidnap the undefended little Star Lara, the younger sister of Flurry Heart, the child of your adversaries, there is no greater pleasure than causing suffering parents by their own child!. Akeron shouted, unable to hide his joy and desire for destruction as much as he is pleased with the same black unicorn.
Sombra, thinking about his revenge in the way that Akeron suggested to him, was like honey for him, a wide smile pierced the brew of a black unicorn who wanted to go as soon as possible to reach his adversaries and take revenge in the worst way he could, but he was stopped by a very important issue concerning man .
- and what about a man, if he wants to keep us. Cozy Glow asked.
- the better, we will know that he is a real hero, if he focuses his powers on saving the child it will be obvious! And someday, even this week we will use it against him!. Akeron said, and his words made his chosen few laugh suddenly.
- whatever he does when I enjoy victory, he won't stop me!, and now Sombra, go to the crystal empire, all of you, go out into the world and take revenge wherever you can, I will give you support wherever you appear, Equestria and the surrounding area bordering areas are within my reach, so go, take revenge, let the world react to war with war, and their essence will help me regain what I lost. Akeron said, and the mood of joy and mocking smiles of his chosen ones spread even to him as the four chosen ones, Cozy Glow, the evil centaur Tirek, the former changeling queen Chrysalis, and the black unicorn king Sombra left New Abyss, the great crater, Akeron laughed ominously knowing this he is dealing the cards all the time that he will be the winner and soon he will bring to life something that was long gone, destroyed by his own family.
- yes it's only a matter of time when it will be born even Alex won't be able to do it!. Akeron shouted, and his voice shook everything again except the scarlet monoliths glistening with indescribable anger, hatred and pure evil.
L
This is how the first series of four ended, it can be called a series of revolutions, in any case, everything so far is uncertain, except for the actions of the lord of the elements and the ponies, the question is what Alex will do again and whether any of the ponies are too naive.
