Chapter Two- A Hoof is Pointed

Dust Cloud awoke in an awkward position. He was on his side, but his head was resting against something else, something cold. After blinking a few times in order to ward away the blurriness, he shakily stood up, and muttered an expletive due to his neck now being very sore. It took a few moments before he was able to gather his senses, but when he did, he wished that he hadn't, for the scene before him was something that he never expected to see, and he never wanted to see again; bars. There were bars everywhere, forming a cage around him. And not just him, but the hundreds of other ponies that crowded the room, which was just about as big as something that you would see in Canterlot Castle.

He backed up, away from the downtrodden faces and hopeless eyes, only to hit his flank against the bars that made up the back of the cage. His breathing became more heavy, and after a moment, he started to panic. What had happened to get him to this point? He was just a simple janitor, why would anyone want him in a place like this? Little did he know, but the answer was coming rather soon, in the form of a hulking beast trotting down the corridor of cages.

Dust Cloud could hear the creature before he saw it. The loud sound that it made while walking was more than enough to snap Dust Cloud of his temporary stupor and start to bare a new emotion; pure, unbridled fear. He pressed against the back of the cage, and soon, a large form stopped in front of him. He couldn't see what it was, but it was definitely pony in shape. He couldn't see it's face however, but it's voice more than made up for it. It was a deep baritone, and it's tone conveyed a sinister air. It chilled the poor little pony to the bone when it said, "Frightful, are we? Good. Your new master loves to see his slaves quake in his presence."

"S-Slave?", Dust asked, his fear making his voice quake.

"Oh yes.", the creature said, "We do enjoy seeing the lesser ponies know who the rightful ruler is. Now, if you would hold still..."

The cage opened, and the giant pony stepped in. A red glow appeared around a large horn, which converged toward the tip, and launched a beam at Dust's head. And in that moment, all he knew was sadness, despair, and sheer hopelessness...

"Now, if you would please step out of the cage, we can show you what you'll be doing for the rest of your days?", the giant pony said.

Dust said nothing in response, and with a despondent look, he hung his head and walked out of the cage, where a hooded unicorn waited for him. It lead him away from the area, and left the giant alone so that he could repeat the process on the next available pony...

Meanwhile

"Why couldn't we just fly here again?", Rainbow Dash asked, slightly annoyed.

The group was now just outside of Canterlot Castle, and were making their way to the throne room, where Princess Celestia awaited them. The group had taken the train to the city, and the long ride had made the many-colored pony more than a little antsy.

Twilight was the one who answered the pegasus' question, "Well, there are a few reasons. One, only three of us can fly, and two of us are not nearly as strong as you are. Two, we would be even weaker if we put the non-flying ponies on our backs. And three, Rarity is afraid of heights after the Best Young Fliers competition."

"Well, not heights, so much as flying...", Rarity said, slightly embarrassed after recalling the events of that day.

Rainbow Dash sighed and decided not to push the issue any further, instead now focusing her attention on the large door that led to the throne room at the end of the hall.

Inside...

"You're sure it's him, sister?", Luna asked, concern obvious in her voice.

Celestia nodded, "I am. No other pony has been able to perform feats of magic like this."

Luna said nothing, and sighed. She feared that this day would come, but she thought it never would. Oh, how wrong she was...

Celestia then continued, "It's alright, Luna. I already have the guards on high alert, and at least he can't steal our powers like Tirek."

"That still doesn't fill me with confidence...", Luna said.

After Luna spoke, a guard pony opened the door and said, "Princesses, The Princess of Friendship and her entourage have arrived. Shall I send them in?"

"Yes, of course.", Celestia said.

The guard pony nodded and opened the doors further, allowing the six ponies and one baby dragon inside the room. Wasting no time, Celestia and Luna flew over to them, and landed down on the ground in front of them. Celestia then said, "Hello again, my little ponies. I apologize for not bringing you here right away, but I wished to do some research of my own before coming to any conclusions."

Twilight's face betrayed a twinge of disappointment at not being able to help her mentor research for something, but she hid it well enough and said, "It's alright. We didn't mind taking the train."

Rainbow Dash was about to say something, but before she could, she was being jabbed in the side by Applejack, who said, "So, what exactly is it that happened?"

Celestia looked over to Luna, and they both nodded. Celestia then said, "Well... this is all very hard to explain... but suffice it to say... this all happened a long time ago."

"You mean like a thousand years ago?", Rainbow Dash asked."

Luna shook her head, "Not even close... this all happened since time immemorial..."

That got the pony's attention, even Pinkie Pie's. They all looked up at the princesses, as they began to spin their tale...

Celestia began, "If you've read a history book, then you'll know that the history of Equestria, and by extension, our entire world, starts with us taking the throne. But the history of the world goes back much further than that, for the world began with a very dark history."

"What do you mean?", Twilight asked.

"We have to start at the beginning.", Luna said, "The very beginning. A long time before my sister and I were even born, there was nothing. The sun and the moon moved erratically, and the world was nothing more than a sludge. But then... the first two ponies just... showed up."

"You mean you two?", Twilight asked.

Celestia shook her head, "No... our parents."

Jaws hit the floor. Spike spoke up, "Wait, you two had... parents!?"

They both nodded, and Celestia continued, "Yes. And out of the chaos that used to be our world, they forged our world. Father loved the sky, so with his magic, he created the clouds, weather, the stars, and put the sun and the moon under control. Mother loved nature, and created the plants and animals that inhabit our world. At first, they did their work separately, so they didn't know that they were crafting something beautiful together. But they eventually met, and fell in love. They didn't have names before they met, so they came up with names for each other. Mother was named Equinox, and father... he was named Eclipse.

"Together, they built a castle in the southern part of Equestria, and lived there peacefully for many years. Eventually, we were born, and our parents were overjoyed at this. They were growing bored with being all alone in the world that they created together, so having more ponies there made it a little more interesting. They doted on us, and they both loved us very much, and we loved them as well."

Luna smiled at a far off memory, "Father would entertain us by making the stars into various shapes, and mother would make statues and let us play with all the animals. And when we got bored with that, we would fly out all over the world, and see the things that they both created in those early days."

Celestia nodded and smiled warmly as well, "Yes, they were good days...", she then sighed, "But they wouldn't last forever, unfortunately. After many years of happiness, mother and Eclipse thought that more company could be used. So, they decided that they would create the many sentient creatures of this world. Eclipse tried his hoof at it first. He wanted a species that could be ruled over, and wouldn't mind being ruled over by him and his family, and in an effort to create this race, from the residual chaos left over in the world, he created the creatures who would later give birth to Discord and Tirek. After his frustration at their noncompliance and tricky natures, he took his raging emotions and turned them into the first griffons. However, they too weren't satisfactory creations to him, as they allowed their emotions to control them, rather than him. Getting frustrated, his rage created the first dragons, and we all know that they don't take orders well.

"After that, Eclipse gave up, and mother tried a different method. First, she drew on all her strength, and stomped down on the ground as hard as she could. From her hoof-print sprang the first earth ponies, who's strength and connection with the earth is legendary. Then, she plucked as many feathers as she could from her wings, and flung them into the air. From these, the first pegasi were made, and were able to soar with the birds and control the weather. And finally, with barely any strength left, she concentrated, and shot magic toward the ground, and from the crater, unicorns were made, and were able to use magic just as well as her. And because they were all born from her strength, body, and magic, they all were in her image, rather than the various forms that father's creations had taken on.

"Father was impressed at mother's creations, but he was also jealous. After all, she made all these wonderful things, but all of his creations were nothing more than destructive and uncooperative beings. But still, it didn't get to him at first. They established the land of Equestria, and all the ponies lived together in harmony. But after a few years, the power went to Eclipse's head... he soon wanted nothing less than the total subjugation of those under him. He began to issue policies that favored his more well liked race of ponies, the unicorns, and made the earth and pegasus ponies work harder. After this, animosity started to grow between the races. Mother tried to assuage some of their anger, but the damage was done. A civil war started.

"Eclipse attempted to stop it, but his methods were more than questionable. In secret, he created a spell that would make any pony he chose fall under his complete command. When he demonstrated it, mother was furious. Up until this point, she thought that Eclipse had only made a few mistakes in judgment, but after that... she knew that he couldn't be allowed to be in charge any more. So, with our help, we sealed him away..."

Both Luna and Celestia seemed to be saddened by this memory, but after a moment, Celestia continued, "We were both very young when this all happened... we barely understood what was happening at the time. All that mother told us was that he was doing bad things to the ponies that we all loved to play with, so she told us that we had to... seal him in Tartarus. We complied... but soon after it was done, we missed him... and so did mother. After it was over, mother fell into a depression, which lead to the long winter that eventually lead into the wendigo influx, which would lead into Hearth's Warming Eve, which would reunite the pony races under a common flag. A few years after that though, mother realized that she was no longer fit to rule, and passed leadership duties onto us... and that is where the history of Equestria officially starts."

The group stood in thought for a moment, letting the information dump that they received sink in. Twilight was the first to gather her thoughts, and said, "So... are you saying that your father..."

Celestia nodded, "Yes... it has taken him thousands of years... but he's back. King Eclipse has returned."

The ponies were awed. This was... nothing short of amazing. At first, they thought that this was nothing more than a simple mission to investigate a town that seemed to be missing it's population, fairly standard. But now... once again, the fate of Equestria was once again in the balance. But that didn't mean that the group didn't have questions, and Rainbow Dash was the first to voice hers, "So, wait a minute... why didn't you tell anypony about any of this? I mean, this kind of story sounds really important."

Luna was the one who answered, "We did not want anyone to remember father's treachery. It was a dark point in our history, and mother felt that it would be for the best that everything before that great civil war was just forgotten, including her after she left. There are a few remnants of his rule, however. For example, our crowns and necklaces were forged from father's own."

To the other ponies, this didn't sound too out of place, but to Rarity, this raised a question, "Well, hold on a moment... if you were able to melt his necklace and crown into those... then, how large was he?"

"He was practically triple our size when we were foals... and I'm sure that he's only grown further... at least double our current size.", Celestia answered.

The ponies and dragon looked wide-eyed. The more they heard about Eclipse, the less they wanted to meet him. However, they also knew that it was an inevitability, so they continued with questions, starting with Twilight asking, "So... where is your mother now?"

Celestia shook her head, "We don't know... the last time we saw her, she flew off into the sunset that I was creating. She said that she would return someday... but that day has yet to come..."

"Well, she doesn't sound like the best of mothers, if ya ask me.", Applejack said.

"Please understand,", Luna said, "Mother and father were wonderful parents once upon a time... but time has a way of making ponies hurt. So many years of isolation made father think that love was earned through subjection, and the years of seeing so many reminders of all the things that father did over the years made mother lose herself. However, she didn't just up and leave. She taught us how to control the sun and the moon, as well as politics."

"And speaking of that,", Pinkie Pie said, "Why did you leave in Hearth's Warming Eve if it was part of this super bad time? I mean, it makes for a great a party and all, but it can't be the only reason."

"It was the truest indication that Eclipse's power and influence was waning.", Celestia answered, "The pony races were starting to work together once again, and it showed that even the most vile of intentions become nothing after enough time has passed."

"Umm... can I ask something?", Fluttershy asked meekly.

"Of course.", Luna said, "What is it?"

"Umm... I found this robin back in Trottingham, and he said that it was two ponies that took his friends and family, and not a giant one... also, why would Eclipse even want animals?"

Celestia sighed, "I fear that Eclipse may have help... there are at least two other ponies who are following his command... they're either under his control, or they're doing it willingly... and I don't know which is worse. As for the animals... during the civil war, Eclipse used a spell to turn them feral, and would use them as infantry."

Fluttershy audibly gasped, beyond horrified. The mere thought of her little animal friends getting possessed by that vile pony... she couldn't let that happen to them! She held Tim the robin a little closer to her chest as reassurance, feeling a small level of comfort as the small bird flapped his wings and nuzzled into her fur.

"So, what'll it take to beat him?", Spike asked, "I mean, we already turned in the Elements of Harmony, and as far as we know, the Rainbow only worked once. So, what do we do?"

Celestia looked down, "As far as we know... we need the help of multiple alicorns in order to seal him away once again... but even then, we're not entirely sure it will work. It's why I went ahead of you all. I needed to research and see how much power would be needed to seal him away again. So far, results are... inconclusive."

"Well, what do you think we need?", Twilight asked.

"It took our mother, Luna and myself to seal him away.", Celestia answered, "But mother's magic was more powerful than either of ours, and neither of us can hope to reach her level. But since we have you and Cadence now, we were hoping that it would make things equal. Yet, we're still unsure about it... after all, Eclipse has likely grown in strength. Until we actually face him... we won't know how much power we'll need..."

"But we have allies, don't we?", Rarity asked, "The griffons hate him, and I'm sure that Discord would be more than willing to help make his day a little bit worse."

"We have already sent envoys to plead our case to the griffons, but they have a tendency to only care about things that would directly affect them.", Luna said, "And as for Discord... well, as soon as he caught wind of father's return, he came here and said something to the effect of, 'I'd rather be dead than face him head on.'. He then teleported away, and we've yet to hear from him again."

Applejack rolled her eyes, "Sounds like Discord alright... can't say Ah blame him though. He'd literally be meetin' his maker, and the maker wants him gone."

"He must be so frightened...", Fluttershy said quietly, "After all, if I knew that somepony would want to hurt me, I'd probably run away too..."

"He'll return eventually, I'm sure.", Celestia said, "But until he does, we can't count on him to do anything that will help our cause. But I can say for sure that he won't betray us again after what happened recently with Tirek. Yet I wish I knew for sure that he would help us..."

Twilight stepped closer to her mentor and said with confidence, "Well, whether he does or not, I promise you both that me and my friends will be able to help you fight against your father."

Shouts of affirmation came from the group, and a swell of confidence swept through them all. Even Fluttershy felt like she would be able to take on the world... well, a quarter of the world anyway.

Celestia and Luna smiled, and the elder sister said, "Thank you all...", her expression then turned to a more saddened one, "Unfortunately, I'm not sure what you would all be able to do to help us. Only Twilight has the power to help us stop Eclipse."

There was a moment of silence, as the group thought about how to help. Then, after a while, Rainbow Dash said, "Well, we could head to the different towns in Equestria, and act as lookouts. And if anything looks suspicious, then we'll stop it!"

"Yeah, I like that idea!", Pinkie Pie said, "And if that big meanie Eclipse shows up, then we'll warn you about it, and you can come over and take care of him!"

Celestia and Luna looked at each other for a moment, as though they were silently communicating about whether or not the plan had any merit. They were about to answer when the doors violently crashed open, revealing the haggard form of a pegasus pony guard. His wing looked bent out of shape and charred, as though it were hit by a bolt of magic. He stumbled down the hall before falling down on his side. Immediately, Celestia and Luna sprang into action, as well as the rest of the group when they realized what had just happened. The pony was panting horribly, and kept trying to form words, but they seemed to be coming out of his mouth silently. Celestia knelt down next to him and said in a calming tone, "Shhh... relax. Breathe slowly..."

The pegasus' breath slowed, and he grew calmer. Celestia then smiled down at him and said, "What's the matter?"

The pegasus took a deep breath, "I... I was going to Appleloosa... I was supposed to supervise trade between them and Canterlot merchants... th-then, out of nowhere, everyone was gone, and my wing was zapped by a pony wearing a hood... he said to come back here and tell you that... you are no longer in control... I-I don't know what it means, but..."

Luna bent down and said, "It's alright... you have done your duty, and you deserve a rest..."

Before the pegasus could say anything else, Luna's horn touched the pony's forehead, and he instantly fell into a deep and dreamless sleep. She then quickly turned toward another guard and ordered him to take him to the infirmary. The guard complied, and once more, the room was left in silence. Applejack was the first pony to break the silence, "Ah don't believe it... Appleloosa... gone..."

"It's just as we feared...", Celestia said, "Trottingham isn't the only town that Eclipse is planning on taking... and Appleloosa won't be the last. It's only a matter of time before he decides to take the citizens of another town, and we won't know which one will be next..."

"We need to make a plan, and fast.", Twilight said, "Who knows how many ponies Eclipse will take before we take action."

"Agreed.", Celestia said, "Also, until we're ready to take action, Luna and I would appreciate if you all would stay in Canterlot."

"We won't mind.", Twilight said.

"Good to hear.", Luna said, "But if you'll excuse me for a moment, I have to go and raise the moon. I'll be back soon."

Luna turned and stepped out onto a nearby balcony, but before she could even attempt to raise the moon, she looked up to see something that brought both fond memories, and great fear. She called out, "Sister! Hurry!"

At Luna's call, everyone who was inside the throne room ran out, and looked up to see what it was that Luna saw, and when they saw it, they all stood slack-jawed. In the middle of the sky, where the sun was meant to be, the moon was as well. The moon was covering the sun, and it left the world dark.

As soon as she saw it, Celestia tried to pull the sun away from the moon, and Luna joined in the effort attempting to move the moon away. Their efforts proved to be in vain, however, and the moon continued to block the sun.

"What... is that?", Spike asked.

"Father's specialty...", Luna said, sadness and anger welling inside her.