The next day and the train returning to Ponyville, this time in the compartment occupied by the Mane Six and the dragon, it was no longer possible to hear questions or inquiries about the man and the constant accusations and misunderstanding of his actions he had committed in the crystal empire, what he did shoot at the evil king holding little Star Lara under the blade shocked everyone the same, none of the speakers expected that a human, Alex, could do something like this, so evil, ruthless and terrible.

Many began to believe that Alex was their golden-hearted hero who once actually had no other choice during the fight with the Hydra-Pony, but this story repeated a second time and this time no one could forgive him for what he had done, no one could understand how it could be done. something like that for the public good, come many before a terrible act of man, they were afraid that Alex would succumb to the threat and demands made by Sombra, and no one tried to answer the question of what he would do in the place of a man, but Alex did that, this terrible example, it was too terrible, and his act evil even four tyrants.

Rainbow Dash, sitting in front of the window, clutching her hooves on the window, suddenly screamed as she faced Ponyville.

- damn him for what he did!. Rainbow Dash screamed so loudly that the blue pegasus's voice shook the glass and sat against the cream-colored Fluttershy and the other ponies.

- I do not understand how he could, and I considered him a hero. Rainbow Dash said again, shaking her head and her white friend sitting next to her rubbed her back.

- many of us mistakenly viewed a man as a hero, I also got confused by it, unfortunately I'm afraid of something else. Rarity said looking seriously ahead.

- you're afraid of what exactly, Rarity, tell us don't keep us in suspense. Fluttershy asked, looking at her white friend twirling her purple mane, even Twilight, sitting in the back, rising from her seat listening to Rarity.

- I'm afraid that a man will start attacking us on purpose in order to collect more tears, as he called them, tears of warning.

- but why would he do it. Applejack asked quickly, and Rarity quickly looked at her orange friend with a golden mane.

- for his world, since he came to our world and the first time he obtained the first tear, he is hunting for them, you heard yourself, their power will be a medicine for his world. Rarity said, tapping her hoof against the hoof to confirm her words more firmly.

- So this terrible act, it's all about more tears?. Applejack asked.

- just for that, he ruined so many days for us and our friends. Pinkie Pie cut in, stepping closer to Rarity and scratching her pink mane for candy.

- unfortunately, yes, and I am afraid that this may not be the end of his apprenticeship. Rarity said, sounding too scary.

- Right away it has a certain logic to it. Spike interrupted as the light purple dragon perched in front of him quickly caught the attention of all the ponies.

- meaning. Rainbow Dash asked quickly.

- Spike what do you mean. Applejack asked.

- Spike please don't keep us in suspense. She told Rarity, her heart trembling at the thought of another harm to anyone.

- when this man fought and defeated the Hydra-Pony, he did it for the first time true. Spike asked, and each mare nodded.

- yesterday he did it again because previously he did not receive from us the tear he was looking for, we saw the fall of the old heroes and yet we did not give a single tear, it was a shock until yesterday, yesterday he got what he was looking for so much, and if he will continue looking for sure he alone will lead to something terrible without waiting for our adversaries. Spike said, clenching his fists tightly.

- that means he, oh no!. Fluttershy said in a breaking, trembling voice.

Suddenly, Spike regretted his words, seeing how many of his friends began to tremble for many reasons, the first reason being the mere vision of a man attacking in a chaotic manner who would be ready to do anything for tears, including hurting sisters Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Rarity, these are the three mares trembled the most, fear also touched Pinkie Pie, whose mane suddenly fell as if she revealed her strange alter ego after a failed lonely party, her thoughts flashed to her family and Maud Pie, who, as she had heard earlier, was to visit New Hive in searching for new stone specimens, but the greatest fear will strike Fluttershy who trembled fearing for her every friend, her pets, everything.

Seeing this, Spike wanted to change the subject as soon as possible, so looking out the window and seeing their house intact, he called out loudly.

- Hey, we're almost home, probably nothing bad happened here today. Spike said.

From the view through the windows, it seemed that Ponyville did not actually experience any attack or terrible thing from a human being, but these were only appearances.

In the meantime, sitting in seclusion, Twilight Sparkle, staring at the window, still could not understand why the man did what he did, come carefully and carefully listened to the words of her friends and the dragon, she could not and did not want to understand why the man did what he did.

From the beginning, Twilight looked for a logical explanation of the human act, even tried to explain it a little to herself, but the question was whether Alex actually had his hands tied, or using the red aura would actually activate the blade hitting Star Lara, but the effect was one, there was no more Star Lara and Alex probably baked many roasts here on that one terrible fire. As he said himself, he showed the enemy that nothing would break him, that he was ready to sacrifice individual lives to defend the public, and that was what Akeron was supposed to know, and he won a tear of hatred, a tear of warning.

Listening to her friends' conversation with the dragon also made Twilight understand that something so terrible could happen again, it was her new nightmare in which Akeron repeats his plan, doing exactly what in the crystal city, or something even worse, and Alex to prove him about his own madness, he raises his blade again, his terrible powers, and strikes everyone he knows, values, respects, and loves.

- no. Twilight Sparkle whispered to herself, refusing to even think about the possibility.

It was impossible to hide the fact how much Twilight was angry with the man, the sight that remained in her memory, the desperate mother of her suffering father and the overcrowded older sister, was too great for her and they were her relatives, her family, her brother, sister-in-law and their older daughter, the human had taken so much from them, it was too much, but in all of this Twilight was starting to feel the most angry with herself.

- why, why me, why. Twilight whispered again, unable to understand her own thoughts and reactions to everything.

Twilight Sparkle could not dismiss one thought, one fact that grew stronger in her every day, and anger towards herself after the past day had built up with every contradicting thought, since Alex appeared in the pony world, everything changed for Twilight, everything changed, and everything changed for Twilight. her thoughts swirled as soon as she met a human, come Twilight actually knew what was happening to her today she did not understand why this process continued despite what the man did, it led her to the edge of anger she had for herself.

Eventually all her thoughts were interrupted by the sudden stopping of the train at the Ponyville station, the train stopped exactly at noon and there was one nervous blue unicorn mare standing at the station, Twilight immediately recognized her as she looked out the window.

- Trixie. Twilight Sparkle said as she rose from her seat.

- what is she doing here. Spike asked.

- I don't know, but she is clearly nervous, even very nervous. Fluttershy said, recognizing tense emotions.

- we'd better go and fast. Rarity said as she ran off the train.

Finally, Mane Six and Spike got off the train and when they did, Trixie ran to Applejack without a word and gave her a hug, shedding a few tears, it almost terrified the orange earth pony mare.

- Trixie, what happened, or something Big Mac, Swift Max, or Sugar Belle. Applejack asked, and Trixie hugged her tightly again.

Applejack shivered through another wave of fear she couldn't contain, and not only her.

- something happened, crimson. She asked Pinkie Pie whose hairstyle had yet to return to normal.

- or a human. She asked Rainbow Dash angrily and Trixie nodded her head.

- yes, a man, and only he, appeared out of nowhere and, and, you have to go with me quickly. Trixie said as she tried to break free from Applejack suddenly holding her.

- no, Trixie, tell me what happened here and now because she won't survive if you don't tell me!. Applejack shouted.

- the man did something terrible for my tears and tears of Big Mac, Sugar Belle and Miss Cheerilee, they, he did it in front of their eyes. Trixie said in a trembling voice.

Trixie's words caused a deep shock and tears in everyone's hearts.

- why he did it, for tears, so why don't you come now, you monster, why, why, why are you hurting us so much!. She screamed between the sobs of Applejack.

- Applejack! You hear me!. Screamed Trixie right in the face of the distraught orange mare.

- so I hear, tell me why, for our tears !. Aplejack screamed again.

- yes to the tears, but come with me, come, with them it is not so good. said Trixie.

- I mean, Big Mac, Swift Max and Braeburn, it's bad with them. Twilight said stating the obvious. - yes they can't cope with despair, Swift Max is a poor child, this monster took her mother away, now Swift Max is still waiting for his mother, he doesn't believe she's gone, he must be crazy but it's worse, Big Mac and Braeburn is on the verge of collapse, they need you, you. Please come with me. Trixie said.

This time no one asked unnecessary questions, they all followed Trixie to Sweet Apple Acres, and this time Twilight Sparkle, when she heard about the tragedy that happened outside Ponyville on the same day, lost her last hope for a human, and again felt the same pain she felt after the past day.

- how could he do something like this twice on the same day!. Rainbow Dash, furious and wiping her tears, cried out.

- like it twice. Trixie asked, looking back.

- Star Lara was under the blade of the evil king, Sombra was threatening and blackmailing and the man this monster fired his bow and a tragedy happened. Sniffed Rarity, both of them grimaced in anger, and her words shocked Trixie so much that she paused for a moment, her eyes trembling.

- he's a monster. Trixie said to herself.

- Yes, it's a monster, but we'd better go. Spike said as she chased the motionless unicorn mare to which Trixie dashed ahead leading the group.

Less than a few minutes later, the group reached the Apple family farm, at the very beginning something strange was visible here, all the fields were plowed, ready for sowing, it looked as if a dozen earth ponies were working here one day but there was one left plowing in the field, Applejack, expecting the worst, quickly rushed into the house, in the main room she met a crying green foal with a red mane.

- aunt!. Screamed Swift Max almost collided with Applejack as she grabbed him and hugged him as tightly as she could.

- Swift Max me, I'm so sorry. Applejack said in a trembling voice, having trouble uttering a single word, the image of the little pony and his despair broke her heart and not only that, anyone who looked into the eyes of a little child's despair felt his own heart bleeding.

- oh Applejack, how much I wish you had to look at this, me. This is terrible. Trixie said in a brittle voice.

- I know, now tell me, me, me. Applejack said, come on, her voice suddenly broke because she was afraid of what her brother and cousin might have.

- they need you, they drown their sorrows, Big Mac works in the field like crazy from the very morning, no sea to stop, a little longer and he will be exhausted. Swift Max said.

- I'll look for him. Rainbow Dash said.

- we are going together. She added Fluttershy and they both went outside.

- damn that man!. Spike said through clenched teeth.

- damned spoil. Pinkie Pie said with Applejack hugging a little baby.

- he's just a monster for me. Said Rainbow Dash, her jaws clenched tightly and her front hooves bumping the ground, her eyes full of pain and fury staring at the little green foal and Twilight standing in a moment's silence, as it turned out even Twilight showed her fury with both grunts of rage and tears of despair.

- what about Braeburn, where is he?. Applejack asked, taking her attention for a moment from the little child.

- Braeburn wants revenge on the man, he has been training a fight in the shed since the morning, he took a large log and hits it so that his hoofs turn blue, you have to do something about it, please. She told Trixie and her friend quickly nodded her head.

- I'll do everything in my power. Applejack said, then she hugged the little red-mane foal one last time and ran outside to look for her brother and cousin.

Big Macintosh was working in the field, re-plowing the field and starting to plow the field again, in which case he was found by two Pegasus mares stopping him at first.

- please let me do my chores, I have so much work to do. Said the red stallion wiping the sweat off the golden mane.

- you don't have to plow the soil three times, that's enough, please. Fluttershy said standing in front of the distraught pony of the earth.

- you don't understand, I have to, I don't have time, I have to. Said Big Mac as he tried to dodge the creamy pegasus with the pink mane.

- we will not let you go, what you are doing is threatening your health, in a moment you will be exhausted, you cannot do it at home, your son is waiting for you, you should be with him now. Rainbow Dash said from the other side.

- I know, but I have to, I have no reason, I have to. Big Mac said, trying to step back, but was then stopped by his sister. Who first unhooked the rope and then gave her older brother a tight hug.

- Big Mac, I know, I've heard of everything, I'm so sorry. Applejack said between crying.

- He took everything I loved, except you, Apple Bloom and my son, but took too much from me, Sugar Belle, she's gone!. Screamed Big Mac as he suddenly collapsed to the ground, losing his strength from continuous work.

- let's help him quickly, you need to take him home. Rainbow Dash said, helping Applejack and Fluttershy haul the red pony home, which was not that easy.

Less than two minutes later Big Mac was pulled under the porch into the shade and the other ponies brought water to the exhausted stallion who looked with regret at the world and his worried son. At the same time, a scream of pain could be heard from a nearby shed.

- I think it's Braeburn. Rarity said.

- that's what I told you Braeburn is in the shed fighting a log. Trixie said as she passed the third bucket of water to her friend.

Hearing the sounds of a fight, Applejack accompanied by Twilight and Spike ran to the shed to see her cousin there. On the spot, it turned out that Braeburn smashed a half-suspended piece of log, broken by the blows of a furious despairing pony, which was now kneeling by the damaged log, staring at his aching and bruised front hooves.

- Braeburn, what are you doing. Applejack asked regretfully at the distraught stallion and his injuries to his front hooves.

- why he did it, why, why those damn tears. Braeburn said, looking at his cousin.

- tell me Applejack, why did he do it, or what he meant, why he took everything away from me.

- I do not know Braeburn, I really do not know, I do not know why he does it, whether it is for tears or the public good, I do not know why he did it in the crystal city and he repeated the same day and here, why!. Applejack cried, hugging her cousin tightly.

Suddenly Braeburn broke free from his cousin's embrace when he saw Twilight standing next to him, immediately a yellow pony in a brown uniform addressed the princess and crowned queen of friendship and all Equestria.

- please tell me if there is any way to overcome him, if so let me help you. He pleaded on Braeburn's lap, but Twilight shook her head.

- forgive me, unfortunately we do not know a way to defeat a man, he has already surpassed all of us many times with his power, I do not know if there is a weapon that could harm a person properly, forgive me. Twilight Sparkle said, looking regretfully at the shattered pony inside.

- so it's over, this monster is still invulnerable, how is it possible that someone like him can walk around our world with impunity, how!. Braeburn screamed, attacking the suspended log again, or what was left of it.

Braeburn hit the log with all his might, the suspended piece of wood broke from its mount after a strong blow and landed in the haystack, after all Braeburn lost his strength and fell to his knees looking at what he had done and thinking about the impossible.

- so we are doomed to this man, damn him!. Braeburn shouted again, grabbing his head, seeing that Applejack and Spike walked over to him and hugged him as much as she could, and looking at it, Twilight Sparkle turned her head, unable to bear what she saw, how she had failed her people, and how wrong she was as to which one according to her. She was sweet, Twilight came out in front of the open door, as it turned out, there were two foals visiting their friend from school and the same class, the first was a golden Pegasus Diper with a magnifying glass and a cap, and the second was a white unicorn Zax with black glasses.

- Princess Twilight. Said Diper as he took off his cap and bowed his head.

- it's an honor for us. Zax said as well, as he tilted his head and removed his black glasses from his nose.

- you don't have to bow to me, it's not a day, not a time and I'm not worthy of it, I've failed so much.

- It's not true, it wasn't anyone's fault that what happened happened here, apart from that. Said Diper when he was suddenly struck on the hoof by his friend.

- besides, no one could have foreseen such a thing. Zax said.

- I know, but last day I failed here, man, he did the same in the crystal empire, the evil king Sombra took a small child under him and gave the man an ultimatum to which the man did not agree, he shot a bow and you know what happened next. Twilight said, trying not to look at the two youths through the guilt of her own shame.

As soon as Diper and Zax heard about the man and what he did in the crystal city, one possibility immediately appeared in their minds, they both looked into each other's eyes and turned to Twilight with some questions.

- princess Twilight, you can tell us how many arrows the man fired. Zax asked.

- from what I saw, he fired two at once. Twilight said after quick reflection.

- and how many explosions there were. Diper asked, eyeing the princess carefully.

- from what I saw and heard, it is definitely one. Twilight said.

- and the crater, sorry for your curiosity, but we need to know what the crater was. Zax asked, gesturing with his right front hoof.

- one big crater, round, plain, and what do you need this knowledge for?. Twilight said looking at the two young men.

It was the moment when both Zax and Diper looked at each other and nodded their agreement, while with difficulty hiding the beginning of joy, on the other hand, they felt a breakdown within themselves because they had given a professional word of silence, so they could practically do nothing, they could only approach the wounded princess and rub her front hooves to give her support in the times to come.

- be strong and don't give up, princess, you can't, Equestria needs you, we need you, all of whom you value and love. Diper said.

- you can't get overcome by what seems so obvious, you can't, you have to be strong, today and tomorrow. Zax said, giving Twilight one last word of support that, like his friend's words, reached Twilight's heart.

- you are right, I cannot be weak, I must be strong for my friends, for all of them, for you, Equestria needs me, I will do it for the whole world. Twilight Sparkle said, standing firm and full of strength again, but she had to fight again with the one that hurt her the most, the human vision.

The vision of a man who was now mad to do evil to individuals to fight for the common good was what she had to face now, but Twilight knew well that this was something she had to do, she had to fight even if she had to fight a human.

- I will not let history repeat itself, I will be strong for all of you, and if necessary I will stand in its way. Twilight said and she ran back to the pivot to talk to Braeburn, meanwhile Zax and Diper looked at each other and died hard knowing there was nothing they could do.

- such detective duties my friend. Zax said.

- you know what, I do not have the strength to look at their despair, I hope that one day we will laugh at it, but first we must also be strong. Diper said.

Zax and Diper nodded their heads and rushed into the city, leaving behind a picture of sorrow and suffering.

As it turned out, not only were they watching the situation under the Sweet Apple Acres, but suddenly a shadow appeared from over the horizon, which, thanks to the scarlet amulet, disappeared and reappeared in New Abyss, in front of three tyrants who saw everything and talked loudly about the current state of affairs.

- I do not understand why a man did this in Sweet Apple Acres, whether he really cares about tears, if so what he will do tomorrow, and if he wants our tears. Cozy Glow said, trembling at the mere thought.

- in my opinion, this madman baked many birds with one stone in one day. The red centaur said, looking at the three gathered companions.

- firstly, he proved to all of us that there is nothing that would be valuable to him, apart from the collected tears and the common good, if necessary, he will kill everyone, secondly, he has collected more tears, they are to be a medicine in his world and he is ready to do anything to achieve his goal, almost reminds me of himself. Tirek said, arms folded.

- but what does that mean?. Chrysalis asked.

When the former changeling queen asked the obvious question, both Tirek, Sombra and Cozy Glow flapped their pink curls and she and none of the crowd knew what to say or do except for one but the evil king.

- Anyway, Akeron promised something and he did not keep his word, he was to give me revenge on my personal enemies and nothing came of it, the crystal empire is still under the power of my adversaries and I am still stuck here by this man. Sombra said angrily.

- so far we are only human toys, Akeron has promised us a lot, and so far none of it, but collecting the essence of the ponies for his release, but how long do we have to wait. Cozy Glow said.

- right, how long will I wait to regain my people and take revenge on all those who chased me, well, how long!. Chrysalis shouted aloud.

- really, I'm afraid of this man?. They were all broken by the voice of their master, they all looked at the two scarlet monoliths and the image of their six eyes of its ruler, Akeron turned his eyes, the seven horns and the image of the first free hand in their direction.

- you really think I can be scared of anyone, how funny. Akeron said as his eyes glowed with a golden glow and the scarlet amulets hung around the necks of the four tyrants glowed with the power that knocked the four tyrants to the ground.

Tirek, Sombra, Chrysalis and Cozy Glow screamed as a beam of scarlet power pierced their bodies, wounding their bodies until everything was gone, Akeron began to laugh as he looked back at the new gyroscope glowing with more and more power.

- I'm close to another success, I can't give up now like you, so don't be a coward, because I'm not a coward, as I promised you, I'll give you what you want, we'll share the world bit by bit, but you have to be patient. Akeron said as his eyes glowed with another golden glow and scarlet amulets glowed with a scarlet glow revealing the power of scarlet chains.

- as I said before, today I gave you the power of corruption, each of you has three charges of corruption, so use them wisely Tirek, Chrysalis, Cozy Glow, go out into the world and take revenge on your personal enemies, this is your chance to task the deepest blows, when they are bound by the power of corruption and attack their friends, their families, brothers and sisters, it will also give them power, thanks to it their own power will surpass anyone!. Akeron said.

- What about me, you promised me something. Sombra said before the red centaur and the dark green Chrysalis.

- and fulfilled your request, you have your revenge.

- how. Sombra asked angrily and Akeron laughed aloud.

- and in such a way that your adversaries suffer by the loss of their child, so you did not do it, but it was done by the hand of a man, now Cadance, Shining Armor and their older daughter Flurry Heart suffer, the image of their suffering hearts should suffice, and when I free myself from the shackles I will give them to you, I will give you this whole crystal empire, you will do with them what you want, but until then, be patient and the reward will be beyond all your imaginations. Akeron said.

At first Sombra did not want to admit to a certain success, it was true that his revenge was accomplished by the hand of a man, he himself preferred to look at the suffering of his enemies personally, causing them the greatest suffering personally, but the image of the suffering adversaries by the hand of a man who was provoked by him was for the evil king it has become satisfying.

- maybe you are right, after all, I provoked a man, and when you are free we will divide the world together, and Cadance, Shining Armor and Flurry Heatr will be mine, I will tear them to pieces!. Sombra said, lifting his head high with the vision of the future that lay before him and the coming victory.

- everything is beautiful and nice, but how do you know that a man will actually do what you predicted. Chrysalis asked.

- it's obvious, he does it to show me and himself that he can even break his own rules, come on he is a madman, he is predictable in his own way, he will definitely come, besides, he will not refuse himself that by the destruction and despair we cause he will not take what his own that is, these tears. Akeron said with confidence in his expression and voice.

- if it is supposed to be so, what are we waiting for, it's time to start. Tirek said.

- not so fast, first of all, you cannot attack at the same time, a man will not split up and he also needs him when he attacks and he will do it for sure, his act will provoke ponies and beings of this world to excessively release the essence of good and evil, and the evil of the good creatures that always lies somewhere there is more valuable, because it will power my gyroscope more, it is pure perfect essence, a human is necessary for me, so attack two days apart, you start tomorrow. Who's first. Akeron said.

- me?. Cozy Glow said with satisfaction as the adult mare Alicorn stepped in front of the line. Akeron laughed out loud, enjoying his fierceness.

- Perfect, then tomorrow you will attack my Cozy Glow, just what?. Akeron asked.

- friendship school, and I know who my main target will be, three friends, little sisters Mane Six, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom. They will be my target for corruption, they will take revenge on my personal enemies, they will destroy the friendship school, they will destroy everything and these stupid ponies will not even lift their hooves on them and if you believe what you say, a man will show up on time and do what is obvious , he will be the only one to raise his weapon and may he do what he has already done. Cozy Glow said, laughing out loud with the Elemental Lord.

- Master, tell me only one thing if we use the power of corruption or is there any way to reverse it. Chrysalis asked.

- there is no way to take it back, other than death, I promise you. Akeron said as they all burst out laughing planning their personal revenge on their personal enemies, allowing Cozy Glow to take revenge on the friendship school, following Chrysalis her revenge on New Hive, ending up with the evil centaur who made Canterlot his primary target.

Thus, the plan of the four tyrants and their rulers began to work out in full and the world was soon to be covered by a black cloud of doom, and it seemed that even a man was only to be a pawn in the great plan of the elemental lord.

L

There are many questions about the actions of a man, the actions of a madman, the last hope dies from his mad deeds, so that another hope, new in the hearts of the chosen, can be born, because only a madman is able to hide the truth from everyone and show it to the few.