Chapter 11
Enemies With Benefits
It was a cold, stormy afternoon in Equestria. Raining was pouring down as lightning flashed in the darky sky and thunder could be heard cracking loudly. Flareon was flying as fast as he could while carrying a bag. A scroll could be seen poking out of it. "I've got to deliver this scroll to Princess Celestia!" Flareon yelled as he was trying to dodge the lightning bolts that were striking down around him. "Seriously...why did if have to storm like this now? Why couldn't it wait till I got back home? Oh well...nothing I can do about it now. I just hope I don't get struck by lightning." At that moment, Flareon was hit by a lightning bolt. All that was left was a piece of the bag that slowly fell to the wet ground. Flareon was dead. Nah...I'm just joking. The chosen one wouldn't simply die like that. What actually happened to our hero would involve a journey into another dimension. As Flareon awoke, he noticed he was lying on the ground. Flareon began to rub his forehead. "What...just...happened? Did I just get struck by lightning?" Flareon said as he stood up. Flareon turned his head and saw the remains of the bag and scroll. They had nearly been burnt to ashes. "No...no...no! The scroll is destroyed! Princess Celestia is going to be so mad at me! She trusted me with this task and I failed. I might as well go to her and apologize." Flareon then looked up at the dark sky and immediately noticed something was off. "Wait...wasn't it just storming a minute ago? Also...if it's not storming anymore, then why is the sky still dark? I could have swore it was still in mid-afternoon." Flareon decided he was simply overthinking and shook his head trying to regain concentration for the task at hand. "I don't have time to worry about all this now, I have tell Princess Celestia about what happened to the scroll." Soon after, Flareon flew into the air and continued on to Canterlot. An hour later, he finally arrived, but something was wrong, very wrong. It wasn't the white, glowing capital of love and hope that Flareon remembered. The houses, buildings, and even the castle, was completely black. He could feel a very dark, evil presence coming from the city. "I see Princess Celestia has done some...um... interesting renovations to Canterlot." As Flareon landed down near the castle entrance, he was surrounded by the royal guards. Strangely, the guards did not have their usual white coats, they were dark black, almost shadow-like. "Hey guys...um...I see your coats match the color of the city, it seems cool...I guess."
"State your business here slave!" a guard yelled, "Lord Celestia is very busy! Unless this is an important matter, please leave now and go back to your assigned duty!" It took a while for Flareon to take in everything the guard had just said.
"Celestia is calling herself a lord now?" Flareon asked as he couldn't help but chuckle, "Ok...wait...hold on. Did you just call me a slave? Assigned duty? Also...where are the citizens at? This city is almost like a ghost town. Why do I feel the heavy presence of death everywhere?" As the royal guards started to advance towards him angrily, Flareon suddenly heard a familiar voice come from the castle balcony.
"My dear shadow ponies...what is what all the annoying racket? I was in the middle of a relaxing massage!" the voice yelled. When Flareon looked up, his jaw dropped. Princess Celestia's coat was black like the dark sky. He could see the vicious intent in Celestia's eyes and the evil, sinister aurora emitting from her. This was not the kind, caring, gentle Princess of Equestria. There was something weird going on. A black city, black royal guards, and a black Celestia? Flareon had a feeling that they weren't celebrating Halloween. When Celestia spotted Flareon, her eyes widened in shock.
"Flareon!" Celestia exclaimed, "No! That's impossible! How...how did you escape the dungeon?! Guards...seize him!" As Flareon dodged the guards attempts to grab him, he quickly flew out of Canterlot. Unfortunately, the guards were still chasing after him. Flareon then flew down to a river and hide under the bridge. As he slowly peaked his head from under the bridge, Flareon watched as the guards flew in different directions. After they were gone, Flareon was trying to figure out what just happened.
"What the in the world is going on?!" Flareon muttered, "First Canterlot, then the royal guards, and now Princess Celestia?! It's almost like I'm in a twisted version of Equestria or something! Wait...did she just call her guards shadow ponies? That makes no sense! The only one who can make shadow creatures is Alexei! Oh no! When I was gone, did Alexei do something to Celestia? No...that can't be right. Ever since Alexei was revived, Celestia has had a triple-layer magic shield protecting Canterlot. There was no way Alexei or Discord could have gotten through it! None of this adds up, I need to get back home and calm my head. Hopefully, Twilight can tell me what happened to Princess Celestia." Soon after, Flareon flew into the air and headed for Golden Oak Library. When he got to Ponyville, he couldn't believe his eyes. The town looked like it had been hit by a nuke. Ponyville was completely in ruin as the buildings and houses were either destroyed or barely were standing at all. Soon after, he managed to make it to Golden Oak Library, or what was left of his house. As he opened the broken door and went inside, he saw Twilight, whose legs were locked in chains. She was sitting by candle light and reading a book while stacks of books laid around her.
"Twilight?" Flareon said as he slowly approached her, "Twilight, it's me...Flareon." When she turned around, Twilight immediately began to tear up as she ran to hug him.
"Flareon!" Twilight said as tears ran fell down her face, "Thank goodness your ok! I thought when Celestia captured you...I would never see you again. How did you escape her dungeon in Canterlot?" It was at that moment Flareon desperately needed answers.
"Twilight...what happened to Ponyville, Equestria, and Princess Celestia? What is going on?" Flareon asked as Twilight leg go of him and took a few steps back.
"Princess Celestia?" a confused Twilight replied. "What are you talking about?! That heartless witch could never be our princess! After what she did to Prince Alexei and Prince Discord...I could never forgive her!" Flareon was completely baffled. Alexei and Discord were princes? When did that happen? It suddenly struck Flareon. It may be possible that this was not the same Equestria. It was almost like he was in another dimension. He was going to test this theory.
"Twilight," Flareon said softly, "Who showed me the ancient prophecy? Was it Celestia or Alexei?"
"It was Prince Alexei...don't you remember?" she replied. He was right, this was not the same world, it was a different one. The problem was, how did he end up here?
"Look Twilight...I'm not the Flareon you remember. You see...in my world Celestia is the Princess of Equestria and Alexei is an evil dragon that has command of the shadows, but in my world, Alexei hasn't taken over Equestria. What happened here? How did Princess Celestia...I mean Celestia...take over Canterlot and Equestria? What happened to our friends? Also...where are Spike and Solana at?" Suddenly, Twilight burst into tears.
"Celestia, she...she," Twilight replied as she tried to speak, "After Celestia took over Equestria, she came here and tried to take Solana away, but Spike wouldn't let her. He tried to protect us, but Celestia killed him when he refused to move. She then took Solana back with her to Canterlot." Flareon couldn't believe it, Spike was dead? It was almost impossible to comprehend, but then again, this was a different world.
"Why did she want Solana so badly?" Flareon asked.
"Celestia plans on raising Solana as her own daughter. She is going to have Solana take over her spot as dictator once she dies. That's why Celestia has me chained up here researching all these books. She wants me to find a way for her to become immortal so she can live forever. If I do, Celestia promises me she'll give my daughter back. I just want to see my baby girl again. I want to see her so badly!" Twilight replied. She burst into tears once again as she fell into Flareon's hooves. A few minutes later, she was able to recover. "You said you're a different Flareon and that you're from another Equestria? If that's true, then the Flareon I know is still locked in the Canterlot Castle Dungeon. How did you end up here? Do you remember anything?" Twilight asked. Flareon tried to recall the moment he came to this Equestria.
"I was...um...flying through this thunderstorm while carrying a scroll I was supposed to deliver to Princess Celestia. Soon after, a bright flashed appeared and before I knew it, I awoke by a burnt scroll. I think I may have been struck by lightning," Flareon replied. Twilight pondered for about five minutes before she began to speak.
"Do you know what kind of scroll it was?" Twilight asked.
"No," Flareon replied, "The scientists from Fillydelphia just told me bring it to Princess Celestia right away, that's about it."
"Flareon...it might be possible that the scroll you were carrying was a dimension scroll. I think I've read about it in a book once. The dimension scroll contains a powerful spell that is able to bring the user into another dimension. Unfortunately, the only way to activate the spell is by using very powerful electric magic, or in your case, a lightning bolt. The downside is the dimension scroll can only be used once. After the spell finished, the scroll is can no longer be used."
"Wait...it can only be used once?" Flareon exclaimed, "Then that means...I'm stuck here?! How do I get back to my Equestria? Is there another way?"
"No...I'm sorry Flareon, the only way to travel between dimensions is by the dimension scroll. I don't know any other way," Twilight replied. Suddenly, she stood up. "It may be possible that there is another dimension scroll in the Castle Archives in Canterlot, but to get it, you'll have to make it past Celestia and Luna. Oh..I'm sorry, in this Equestria, Luna is the Queen of Chaos. If I'm right, then that means in your Equestria Discord is the King of Chaos. If I wish I could ask you more about what your Equestria is like, but we don't have time for that. Unfortunately, we're going to need help if we want to break into Canterlot. First, we need the help of Prince Alexei and Prince Discord, then we are going to save our friends from the Diamond Mines. After Celestia took over Equestria, she forced everyone in Ponyville, Cloudsdale, and Canterlot into slave labor in the Diamond Mines where they constantly dig for gems to give to Celestia and Luna."
"Ok...sounds like a plan," Flareon said as he got up, "Where are Alexei and Discord at?"
"After they were banished from Canterlot, I heard Prince Alexei and Prince Discord took refuge inside a cave in the Everfree Forest. I think I know where they might be hiding," Twilight replied. Soon after, Flareon used his fire magic to melt the chains of her legs. He then kneeled down so Twilight could get on his back, but she began to blush embarrassed.
"Flareon, are you sure...this is...ok?" Twilight muttered as her checks were bright red. He simply laughed at her reaction.
"Twilight...come on, it's ok. I don't mind," Flareon replied as he smiled. She reluctantly got on his back and put her hooves around his waist. After they made sure there were no shadow ponies around, Flareon flew into the air and quickly headed for the Everfree Forest. About 30 minutes later, they finally made it to a cave that was hidden behind a group of trees. As Flareon and Twilight walked inside, they could hear voices.
"Alexei...we need to retake Canterlot! We can't give up now!" a voice said.
"I'm sorry Discord, we can't do it by ourselves without getting captured. I wish we had Flareon to help us, but he's in a dungeon cell that is mostly likely heavily guarded. Without him, it is impossible," another voiced replied. When Flareon and Twilight approached them, he couldn't believe his eyes. Alexei was pure white instead of his usual dark black. The presence Flareon felt from him was similar to Princess Celestia. The same love, hope, and grace flowed from his body. Suddenly, Alexei spotted them, and was amazed to see Flareon.
"Flareon! How...how did you escape Canterlot?!" Alexei exclaimed, "There was no way Twilight here could have done it by herself!" Soon after, she began to explain the situation to Alexei and Discord about how Flareon was from a different dimension and that he needs to break into the Castle Achieves in Canterlot to get another dimension scroll so he could return home. Twilight also told them about how they need to rescue their friends from the Diamonds Mines if their assault on Canterlot is going to be successful. Not to mention that were going to help the other Flareon escape from his dungeon cell. After she was done explaining, Alexei and Discord pondered for a moment. "Hmm...this plan could work, but it's a long shot. We're going to have to rescue your friends from the Diamond Mines very quietly without alerting the guards. Even if we do, breaking into Canterlot isn't going to be easy, but with Flareon here, we might have a chance. If we can get into Canterlot and rescue our Flareon, then with his help, we could finally defeat Celestia and Luna," Alexei said. After everyone agreed to the plan, he turned to his fellow prince. "Come Discord, we're going to the Diamond Mines to save their friends."
"Wait! What about us?!" Flareon exclaimed.
"I'm sorry Flareon, but you and Twilight need to stay hidden. If we fail and get captured, it will be up to you guys," Alexei replied as he and Discord walked past them. Flareon could only watch as they quickly left the cave. For first time, Flareon was forced to put his trust in Alexei and Discord. At that moment, Twilight softly put her right hoof on his shoulder.
"Don't worry Flareon, we have to believe in Alexei and Discord. I know they be enemies in your Equestria, but here, they are kind and caring princes," Twilight said. Flareon simply smiled as he nodded his head slowly. About three hours later, Alexei and Discord returned. Including Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie. All of them were completely covered with dirt. As everyone celebrated a happy reunion, Twilight began to explain the current situation, but was relieved when Alexei told them about how he already explained everything. Soon after, Flareon was seen drawing up their plan in the dirt while they crowded around him.
"Ok...here's what we're gonna do. Alexei...you, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack are going doing to be the distraction. You guys are going to attack Canterlot head-on and create as much noise as possible to draw Celestia's attention. Discord...you, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie are going blindside them from behind. I want you guys to go to the back entrance and sneak quietly into the castle. Once you're safely inside, make your way to the dungeon and rescue Flareon. Once you do, I want you guys to cause as much noise as you can. With Celestia being busy fighting Alexei's group, she will most likely send Luna with some of her shadow ponies to confront you. Meanwhile, me, Twilight, and Fluttershy will go to the west side of Canterlot, near the castle, and make our way into a secret entrance that Alexei has reveled to us. I will go to the archives and get the dimension scroll, while Twilight and Fluttershy will go to Celestia's bedroom and rescue Solana. That's about the gist of it. Do you guys have any questions?" Flareon asked. When no one said anything, he smiled. "Alright...it looks like Operation: Canterlot Assault is a go!" As everyone got up, Alexei approached him while muttering something under his breath. He then touched Flareon for just a second and let go.
"What did you just do to me?" Flareon asked.
"It was an elemental spell," Alexei replied, "For three hours your fire magic has been changed to the electric element. That way once you obtain the dimension scroll, you will be able to activate its spell and return home to your dimension." After Flareon thanked him, they went outside the cave and quickly made way for Canterlot. This was going to be the toughest challenge for Flareon yet, but thankfully, he wasn't alone. Not only did Flareon have Twilight and his friends with him, he had the help of Alexei and Discord. Celestia and Luna didn't know what was about to hit them. Later on, Flareon's plan worked to perfection. As Alexei's group distracted Celestia in town, Discord's grouped successfully managed to enter the castle from the back, and were able to bust out Flareon from his jail cell. After they had caused enough ruckus, Celestia fell for their trick and sent Luna with some shadow ponies to confront them. Soon after, Twilight and Fluttershy made it to Celestia's bedroom and found Solana sleeping soundly in her crib. After a teary, heartfelt reunion with her daughter, Twilight put on a carrier she found in a corner, and Fluttershy strapped a joyful Solana into it. Thanks to Alexei and Discord's group, Twilight and Fluttershy successfully managed to escape Canterlot without any problems, and headed back to Golden Oak Library. Meanwhile, Flareon finally made it to the archives room. Nearly 30 minutes later, after searching shelf after shelf of scrolls, Flareon finally found what he was looking for, the dimension scroll. As Flareon opened the scroll and laid it down on the floor, he began to use his new electric magic to activate the scroll, but then Flareon hesitated. He thought about Twilight, Solana, his friends, Alexei, Discord, the other Flareon, and everyone else. Was it right for him to abandon them when they were in a heated battle that determined the fate of this Equestria? Flareon then remembered what Twilight had told them before they made it to Canterlot.
"Don't worry about us ok? I know once you get the dimension scroll, you'll hesitate and think you should stay and help us, but don't because this is our battle. You have your own battle to fight. There are ponies that are counting on you back on your Equestria right? Please...for me, go back to your family and friends. Also...I'm not sure how two Flareons would be able to work well with each other. That is an entirely different battle on its own, if you know what I mean," Twilight said as she smiled at him. Flareon then smiled and let out a chuckle.
"Well...I can't argue with her there," Flareon said as he charged up an electro ball, "I guess this is goodbye everyone. Good luck in your battle! I hope you guys win!" Flareon then shot the electro ball at the open scroll and it quickly let out a bright flash. After the flash disappeared, Flareon was nowhere to be seen. Later on, he awoke to rain drops hitting his face. Flareon looked around and noticed he was back at the same spot where he had been hit by the lightning bolt. Even though it was still storming, Flareon didn't seem to mind at all as he closed eyes, and fell down backwards onto the wet ground while smiling. "It's good to be back home!" A few seconds later, the rain stopped as the clouds parted reveling the warm light from the sun. Flareon was then seen sleeping by the burnt scroll while flowers bloomed nearby.