Chapter 14 B: Remorse Within Inequity
One hour after the escape
Dark Fire overviewed the guards' actions and movements, making sure everypony in the town was accounted for. Once all the ponies were brought forth to him, he signaled to Sensile.
"Is this really all of them?"
"It is Dark Fire. Many of them left when the cold front came in." She said, holding a scroll.
"Let me see the census." He said, snatching the paper.
"I have a name you know."
"Yeah, yeah…"
Scrolling down the paper, he silently counted each pony on it while glancing up time by time..
"This can't be right, there used to be more than one-hundred ponies living here. All I see here is twenty five, not counting the ten guards."
"Like I've said, they left during the cold front. All the hatred going around is causing the Windigo's to go rampant."
"Hmmm, Eccentric? What was the temperature here again?"
Eccentric was off to the side on a medical bed, being treated by three medical ponies. Meanwhile, Clove was watching from a distance with a worried expression.
"About zero, sir." He said, attempting to sit up.
"Zero what? Celsius or Fahrenheit?"
"What if I said Kelvin?" He asked, smirking.
"Well, we wouldn't be talking right now if it was absolute zero now, would we?"
"It's Fahrenheit."
Dark Fire pondered as he stared into the sky.
"I guess we're going to have to change that." He said as his horn erupted in a blaze of fire.
"WAIT!" Sensile screamed, getting Dark Fire's attention. "An abrupt change in the weather will cause a massive flood. Don't you remember what happened last time?"
"No…?"
"I can't change climate, uhh…sir." Ammisive said, nervously.
"What do you mean you can't?"
"Climate is different from weather; it's not in my jurisdiction."
"Ok then, I will do it." Dark Fire said, getting off the throne.
He then opened a window and casted a magic beam that penetrated the night sky. The falling snow was then converted into rain as it got warmer.
"That should last another two weeks before the Windigo's freeze the atmosphere again."
Meanwhile, outside of the castle.
"Man, I hate the cold." A guard said, standing outside the palace entrance.
"Oh no, the last time you started this conversation, we were back hoofed into a solid gold wall! Just be thankful for what you have." Another guard said next to him.
"All we do is stare out into space, guarding an impenetrable palace."
"Oh here we go again, are you even listening to me?! Last time, you were complaining about staring at a door!"
"I wish something exciting would happen."
Just then, all the snow around them combusted into water. Before they realized what just happened, all the buildup snow on the ceilings crashed onto them and washed them away from their post.
"YOU…FREAKIN…IDIOT!" The guard yelled before being submerged in the water and carried off like a barrel on a river.
"Uhhhh…I didn't do it?"
"Sure you didn't." Sensile said sarcastically.
"Whatever, we shall use global warming to our advantage. I want to see factories scattered all over this land." He said, scoping the land with his eyes. "Eccentric, what shall we do to this town here. It can make great firewood for our weapons."
"You should, actually, you should let it stay." Eccentric said, lying back down on the mat.
"What? I thought you would have been the first to-"
"I have my reasons, plus when you bring this town back to health, it can be used as housing for the workers." He pointed out.
"You have a point I guess." He said with disappointment as he tossed away a chainsaw.
"What about the civilians?" Clove commented.
"Watch and learn."
Dark Fire stepped forward towards the crowd of capture ponies.
"As you might have guessed, I am Dark Fire, but others call me Lord or even Prince. Yes, I have given myself these titles and even the title of Prince of darkness, but let's be honest. I am neither of those things…well the first two at least. I am just like all of you, I feel sadness, pain, suffering, happiness…love…" Dark Fire had a brief pause before resuming. "But most importantly, I am your leader. It is my job to make sure that all of you are safe from harm and tyranny. This is why we are taking you to a safer place, not because we can, but because there's nothing left here. I ensure you that no harm will come to your beloved town; we are simply taking the necessary precautions to ensure your safety. If you still don't believe me, at least here this.
Under Celestia's rule, you relied on here to bring out the sun every day for warmth and comfort. You depended on your form of government, which is exactly what they want you to do, this is called Absolute Monarchy. What that means is that the king or queen, or in this case princess, can rule with no one else restricting their power. They are also granted the ability to reign until there life is over, but because they're immortal, they would literally rule forever. Also, because of the fact that they wanted you to depend on them, your technology never advanced. Tell me, do any of you know what electricity is?"
He paused to see if anyone would answer.
"This is because you live an agrarian/Industrial society, but under my rule, you will flourish like never before. What I offer is a new form of government and improved technology that will allow you to work less and accomplish more. The government I offer is a democracy, but with a slight twist. There are multiple ponies in charge instead of one, but my fellow ponies, it will be you who runs the government and not the other way around. You will be able to select your own leaders and propose your own laws. Now with the subject of technology. You will have things like light bulbs and televisions, and much more. Just think of the possibilities, but this can only happen if you give me your loyalty. In return, I will not submit to oppression, give in to threats or terrorism, and allow your voice to be heard. Together, there will be nopony that will ever make us submit to their wishes ever-
Suddenly a bright blue flash appeared behind Dark Fire that caused every ponies attention to be directed towards it.
"HOW DARE YOU NOT TELL YOUR PRINCESS YOU'VE WENT!"
"Ummmm, this meeting is over, BYE!"
As he tried to teleport, a magical force grabbed his tail and yanked him back.
"Trixie asks you to do one thing, and that is to tell her we're your going!" She said, pinning Dark Fire to the ground. "But no, all you want to do is take off without even telling Trixie goodbye! This isn't all about you anymore, Dark Fire. Trixie has needs too, and you need to be aware of these needs like your carrier depends on it! Do you realize how embarrassing it is when, Trixie, has no idea where you are?! Trixie, needs to know exactly where you are and where you're going to be every second of the day, and Trixie can't do that when you're just vanishing all over the place like you own all of Equestria!"
"But I do-"
"No, you've done enough for today, and Trixie thinks you've hanged out with your "guy friends" for too long-"
"Trixie-"
"-You need to learn to organize-"
"Trixie!-"
"-Your time better and be a better-"
"TRIXIE!"
She paused and looked around to see everypony staring at them, mouth a gap.
"Not in front of the civilians." He whispered to her. "Well that's all the time we have for today, we hope you have a pleasant stay in the new Equestria." Dark Fire announced before teleporting Trixie and himself back to Canterlot.
Canterlot Throne Room
"WHAT…THE…BUCK TRIXIE!" Dark Fire shouted as he and Trixie appeared from teleporting.
"What, what did Trixie do this time?" She said, aggravated.
"Don't act like you don't know, and what have I told you about third person?"
"Trixie's fond of it, the world is our stage and we are the actors."
"Yeah, that's shakespeare though, not my little pony."
"What?" She asked confused.
"Never mind Trixie, just don't do that again in front of everypony, especially during a speech."
"But you're ALWAYS in a speech!"
"Exactly, because I'm a busy pony and I rule Equestria now, don't you get that?"
"You need to relax for one day; it's not like it the end of the world."
"But we're in a wa-."
"Trixie does not care, you're going to have a day off weather you like it or not." She said, grabbing Dark Fire by the ear with magic and dragging him behind her.
"W-w-hat ar-errer- *Gibberish* GUARDS, HELP I'M BEING PONYNAPPED!"
Multiple guards flooded the throne room to see the embarrassing seen before them.
"Remain at your posts, everything is fine." Trixie commanded.
"Don't listen to her and help me!" Dark Fire demanded.
The guards we're now in stalemate, having no idea who to listen to.
"You'll be fine Dark Fire, just think of it as a date." Trixie teased.
"A DATE?! HELP ME PLEASEEEEEEE!"
The door slammed in the guards faces before they burst out laughing at what they had just witnessed.
Several hours later
"So you're actually going on a date with Trixie?" Ammisive said, snickering.
"IT'S NOT A DATE!"
All the elements of disharmony and other ponies of power suddenly combusted into laughter, well almost every element.
"This is so stupid, why would you let her do that, you know that all she wants is power?" Desolent asked coldly.
"And you would know all about dating wouldn't you." Stardancer joked.
"Yes I would, the fastest way to a mares heart is by impaling them with-"
"Ok ok, that's enough about…that subject." Stritin said abruptly.
"Why, are you afraid to get your hooves dirty?"
"No it's just…it's just…old memories." He said, with a hint of regret. "But this should be a happy time, we're winning the war, Dark Fire has a date-"
"IT'S NOT A DATE!" Dark Fire screamed again.
"Whatever Dark Fire, you silly love bird." Maneful commented.
"Just remember to bring lots of bits…you're going to need them." Castigate added with a laugh. "Oh, and remember to show her who's boss, mares like that stuff."
"Which is why they all left you." Eccentric said to him, causing everypony to laugh except Desolent.
"Well you all seem to be getting along quite well. I'll just leave you to it." Dark Fire said, slamming the door behind him.
They all waited several moments before bursting into a fit of laughter again…except a certain dark green unicorn that sat in the corner of the room alone.
Main hallway of Canterlot Castle
"This is not the time uhhh…whatever your name is."
"It's Ditzy Doo, you don't remember me?"
"Ditzy? Wait are you…yeah, it is you! You're that mare that Night, I mean I talked to before he…I did that…think with the colors…yeah…"
"So how have you been Nightie, It looks like you got a new dye for your coat."
"Uhhh, yeah let's go with that, hahaha…haha…ha." He said, giving an awkward smile.
"I came here to see if Celestia would let me see my husband again."
"Ummm, have you been out of the country recently?"
"No…why?"
'She must not have been affected by the hatred wave. Strange…she doesn't appear to be intellectually gifted…unless…' He thought to himself "Derpy, do you wield an Element of Harmony?"
"An element of what now?"
"An Element of Harmony, you know, Kindness, honesty…magic?"
"Is muffins an element?"
"No Derpy…muffins is not an element."
"No…?"
"Ok, next question, have you had any contact with an Elements or even Dis-element."
"I don't think so, why are you asking so many questions."
"Do you classify as a special pony or "special pony"?
"I don't know, I just want to see Dust Breaker again."
"Dust Breaker?"
"Yes, that's his name, if you ever find him please send him back to me, I really miss him."
"Actually, we have some spare rooms here in the castle, you can stay here until we find him."
"That would be awesome, thank you." She said, walking off.
"Wait, she never told me his physical descriptions, HEY-
The large jeweled doors behind him suddenly started to creak open, exposing multiple guards and three distinct mares: Chrysalis, Nightmare Moon, and Trixie. Even though the two prior looked the same, Trixie looked absolutely royal, even for princess status. She wore an olive reef and had her hair straightened and brightened, making it look like freshly poured milk. On her neck was a regal ruby amulet in the shape of a diamond that was surrounded by other multicolored gems. Her magician's cape was altered with gold trimmings, and the white stars were replaced with every colorful jewel ever seen by pony eyes. It was enough to make Dark Fire blush.
"Well, what do you think of Trixie now?" She asked, standing two feet away from him.
"I-I-don't k-k-know what to-
"You are impressed Trixie takes it, that's no surprise. Even Trixie, would be impressed with her looks. Well come along now, you have a day to enjoy for yourself." She said walking outside, completely oblivious to Dark Fire gawking at her.
Picking up to what was happening; Chrysalis walked over and slapped him out of his trance.
"Owww, was that necessary?"
"No." She said smirking. "But she's right, you should enjoy yourself."
"We shall take over for today." Nightmare added.
"Thanks, but if you need help with any-"
"Don't worry about it, just go." Chrysalis said, pushing him out the door.
The two golden doors closed shut as the two mares turned back and walked.
"Do you sense it too, Nightmare?"
"Yes, but the question remains…will he share her feelings?"
"Great, even the changelings are laughing at me." Dark Fire said, staring at three giggling changelings.
"Will you stop worrying about it and relax? You'll give yourself a heart attack and then where will we be."
"Well, the four co-leaders would fight over the throne, plunging Equestria into rebellion and making four fractions. The Elements of Disharmony would more than likely disband into these four fractions causing massive warfare, and you would more than likely be removed of power or held for ransom. In short, everything I worked for and done would go to waste and as a result, I would be looked at as a dictator who attempted to prove that Nightmare and the others were actually ponies with feelings and emotions."
Trixie's face had turned completely white as she continued to stare.
"Do Trixie a favor and don't randomly kick the bucket." She said, continuing to walk.
"Oh don't worry, I won't." He said, approaching a bucket.
"With any luck that…shouldn't…"
Trixie turned around to see Dark Fire smirking at her just before he slightly kicked the bucket over with his hoof.
"DARK FIRE YOU IDIOT!" Trixie screamed.
"You're too gullible Trixie, superstitions is just a bunch of baloney."
"BUT WE DON'T EAT BALONEY, AND IT'S NOT A SUPERSTITION, IT'S A METAPHOR!"
"...Augh!"
Dark Fire suddenly started coughing and put his hooves over his heart before collapsing on the ground. Trixie let out a shriek of terror as she rushed over and held Dark Fire's head in her hooves.
"Why! Why must this always happen to me! WHY DO THE GODS CURSE ME LIKE THIS!?" Trixie shouted.
"T-trixie, c-come closer." Dark fire said weakly.
Trixie leaned in closer to Dark Fire as her eyes watered. He then weakly extended his hoof, placing it on Trixie's head, and whispered into her ear.
"Gotcha."
Trixie's eyes ceased to water as her facial expression changed from sadness to poker face.
"You son of a-"
Five minutes of profanity later.
"You finished yet?" Dark Fire asked with his hooves behind his head.
"Yeah…Trixie thinks so." She said panting.
"Good, because that was so worth it." He said, before backflipping off the ground.
"Show off…"
"I would normally agree, but you do it all the time." He said, patting her head. "So what are we going to do and how much money am I spending?"
"Well, Trixie took the liberty to plan out and reserve every place we're going to go."
"With my money?"
"Our money Dark Fire, this isn't about you anymore, remember?"
"Fine, so how many places do you have planned out?"
"Oh…just a few."
After literally going to every shop, store, and mall, practically buying everything imaginable, things finally started to calm down. Mainly because Dark Fire couldn't carry any more bags.
"Come on Dark Fire, we're going to miss the show if you don't hurry up."
"Be *pant, right *pant, there…" Dark Fire said, taking a few more steps before his legs gave out.
As he face planted into the floor, every bag and patchage collapsed onto him, almost like an avalanche of luggage. However this time, Trixie didn't turn around to help.
"Lord Fire, are you hurt?" One of the civilians asked, surrounded by many more ponies
"No…just my pride…and lungs." He said as his face turned blue.
After getting pulled out of the mountain of gifts, Dark Fire used his magic to teleport all the items back to Trixie's room in Canterlot.
"Why didn't I do that earlier?" He asked himself before catching up to Trixie.
"What the heck am I watching?" Dark Fire asked himself, sitting in a movie chair.
"A theater screen." Trixie replied, smiling.
"Well no duh, I was talking about the movie."
"Oh, it's called Twilight."
"Why…of all the things you could have done…why?" Dark Fire asked.
"Oh come on, it's not that bad."
"NOT THAT BAD?!"
Suddenly, ten mares turned around and gave him angry glares. Dark Fire in returned, growled at them, making them turn back around in fear.
"All I've seen is a confused mare who can't decide if she wants to be with a vampire pony. Who by the way, has a coat condition and magically sparkles in daylight. Or be with a werepony, who has to have most of his coat shaved off because he's too "sexy for his coat." And what these two stallions do is have a war over her, and she has to make a decision. Am I supposed to feel sorry for her, or find this comical? I mean, come on, Romeo and Juliet is a better love sorry than this."
"What's that about?" Trixie asked.
"You're kidding right, you're kidding…right?"
Staring into her eyes, he saw confusion and couldn't help but sigh in disbelief.
"You should read it; it has a real happy ending to it."
"Really, what happens?"
"The two lovers commit suicide."
"HOW IS THAT HAPPY ENDING?!"
"Shhh…you trying to wake up the other sleeping stallions?"
"How is that a love story?" Trixie whispered.
"It's not; it's a three day relationship between a thirteen year old mare and a seventeen year old stallion that causes six deaths. To me, that's romance because that's how all relationships end."
"You're being very stereotypical."
"Really Trixie, am I really? Ask any of the Elements of Disharmony how their relationships went. Ask Nightmare or the other's if they ever experienced love, or perhaps you want a first person perspective from me, because I can give you one that happened about six months ago. I'll give you a hint, her name is in the title of this movie."
There was a pause in the conversation as the movie continued playing.
"Trixie…I'm sorry, I didn't know." She apologized.
"Don't be, rejection affects all of us, I'm simply here to hopefully fill that void of emptiness inside of all of us."
"D-do you think you could ever love again?" Trixie asked, putting her hoof around Dark Fire and leaning her head on his shoulder.
Dark Fire was shocked at her sudden movements, but it was question that was always on his mind.
"I…wish I knew the answer to that." He whispered.
Two hours later
The credits to the movie started to role as Trixie got up from her seat and started stretching.
"See, was it so bad?" She asked, turning to Dark Fire.
It was then that Trixie realized that he was completely asleep on the chair. Looking closer, she noticed a saliva bubble had formed to the side of his mouth and was slightly snoring.
'I should have guessed' Trixie thought to herself.
She then removed her satchel bag she was carrying and slapped Dark fire across the face, knocking him out of the chair and onto the floor.
"You awake yet?" Trixie asked, knowing the answer.
"No…" He whispered in pain.
It finally came to the last event of the night, dinner...that happened to be at the most expensive restaurant in Canterlot. Even after Dark Fire's rage tantrum and the constant staring, giggling and autographs, the two were enjoying their time together. That is, until a particular question was brought up.
"Dark Fire, have you ever loved somepony so much, that is was the only thing you could think of?"
Dark Fire gave Trixie a very confused look as he put down his glass of red wine.
"What's with all the personal questions lately, if I can so kindly ask?"
"Well, there's nothing else to talk about, and all you talk about are battle plans or how to make Equestria better."
"Fine then, you can ask you stupid questions, see if I care?" He asked, putting his head on his hooves."
"And be honest with them." Trixie reinsured.
"Yeah, yeah." He said before drinking from his glass again.
"Have you ever had a marefriend?"
Dark Fire instantly spat out whatever wine was left in his mouth onto the ground. Looking up at Trixie with even more confusion, his expression changed to a smile as he started to laugh maniacally.
"ME, ever having a marefriend?! HAHAHAHA, do you realize how silly that sounds? I'm Dark Fire, I practically represent the element of hatred, I could never have a marefriend, it's impossible. I have a better chance of getting struck by lightning seven times, winning the lottery, and getting a royal flush against Castigate than ever getting somepony to love me." He said, continuing to laugh.
Trixie had a look of sadness and nervousness as she silently sat there.
"Do you want one-"
She quickly put her hooves over her mouth as the words slipped passed her lips. Dark Fire stopped his laughing, and gave her a shocked expression.
"I've…always wanted one." He said with a saddening tone. "But no matter what I do or what I try, no pony will ever give me a chance. I'm stuck with only myself, and that's all I ever need."
There was a long pause before Trixie spoke up again.
"You're lying." She whispered.
"Ma'am your Eggplant pineapple express." The waiter said, putting the plate in front of her. "And for you, a hay sandwich."
"A hay sandwich…..I ASKED FOR A HAM SANDWICH!" Dark Fire screamed, standing up from the chair. "YOU HAD ONE JOB, AND THAT WAS-
"DARK FIRE!" Trixie shouted, using her magic to calm the angry prince.
He took a deep breath before slowly sitting back down, but by then everypony was staring with fright.
"I'm sorry; my anger gets the best of me sometimes-
"Sometimes?" Trixie added.
"Most of the time…I hope this can cover this little incident." He said as his horn flashed red.
Before the waiter could respond, a giant money bag landed onto his head, knocking him unconscious.
"What would a pony do with hm anyways?" Trixie asked.
"Eat it, duh."
"You…eat…meat?"
"Why not, it's magically delicious."
"Ponies don't eat meat, Dark Fire, and how can you even do it."
"Trixie…have you ever had bacon?"
"No! Trixie, isn't a cannibal!"
"What, hold up, I don't eat ponies. I wonder how they taste like."
Trixie's face turned completely white.
"Well I guess this hay sandwich will have to do." He said, stuffing the entire sandwich into his mouth and swallowing.
"Didn't your parents ever tell you to chew your food?" She said with disgust
"Parents? What parents?"
"You're mom and dad?"
"Pfff…I never had those."
"That's horrible, and Trixie thought she had it bad, what was your childhood like?" She asked, feeling remorse.
"My…childhood?" Dark Fire whispered.
He continued to stare as his gaze slowly went downwards to the table. Trixie only had seconds to notice that Dark Fire was actually shedding tears before he abruptly stood up.
"I-I'm sorry you had to see me like this." He said, running out the door.
"DARK FIRE!"
Several hours later, in the Royal Canterlot Garden.
"What's happening to me…why am I experiencing these feelings and emotions?" Dark Fire asked himself.
He continued walking until he found a hill with a fairly large oak tree to sit under.
"I'm supposed to be a ruler, without restrain or remorse, without compassion or understanding. So why…why does this mare known as Trixie make me feel this way. Why am I always calm around her, buy her gifts, give her my knowledge, train her to be a leader…why?"
The clouds cleared, revealing the beautiful sight of a full moon right before his eyes that illuminated the area around him.
"Isn't this something you're already familiar with?" A voice asked, as fog started to surround Dark Fire.
"Who's there?! Show yourself!"
"Have you already forgotten about me, Dark Fire?" The voice responded, as the fog grew thicker.
It wasn't long before the fog started to swirl around the confused unicorn and formed an image of a pony next to him. Dark Fire blinked and the form took on the same colors as Night Shadow, only with bright blue eyes.
"You, why are you here?"
"Because I'm you, and nopony else will be able to explain what's going on with you."
"Where's, Night Shadow?"
"I thought you knew…you locked him up in the prison of your own mind, never to have his own opinion again."
"But that would create-"
"An unbalance in your heart and conscious. Forcing you to only have only good decisions…or evil ones." He said, pointing to Dark Fire with his hoof.
"That doesn't explain anything!"
"It does perfectly, but you're too stubborn to see it. When Night Shadow still had control over his body, you were his main influence as you plunged him down into the depths of darkness. Now look at you, you have everything you ever wanted, but you feel something missing."
"What are you trying to say?"
"Because you have control now, you put Night Shadow in your place, allowing him to have an influence in your life. However, because you imprisoned him in your own head, I now have the responsibility of influence in your life. The results are all around you."
"You don't control me."
"Believe what you want, but the mercy and grace you give to your own workers is not by your own doing, but by mine."
"Shut up, I have complete control!"
"Is that why Celestia still lives?"
This made Dark Fire shut his own mouth.
"I had her spared…" Dark Fire whispered
"You had her condemned…I thought you, of all ponies, believed in second chances."
"I do, this is why I've united everypony banished by her, to prove that they can change."
"Then practice what you preach."
Silence fell on the two of them.
"Why are you helping me?"
"I'm not helping you, I'm helping ourselves. These emotions are caused by regret, regret of what you have done. Heed my warning Dark Fire, for if you do not stop this war and give up your power, the guilt will consume you, and not even you will be able to stop it."
"What must I do then? TELL ME!" Dark Fire screamed
"You must forget the past and move towards the future. Forgive those that have done harm to you, and they shall forgive you."
As the image started to fade, Dark Fire made an attempt to form words from his mouth but only gibberish came, until he finally spoke.
"What about Trixie?"
"Isn't she what you've always searched for, your key to happiness?"
"W-what…I still don't know? Please tell me!"
"She is…love." The figure said just before vanishing,
"DARK FIRE, WHERE ARE YOU?!" The all too familiar voice yelled.
"I'm over here, Trixie!"
"Oh thank goodness, Trixie searched everywhere to find you."
"I'm fine, but you look nervous."
"Trix…I mean I have a confession. You always treat me well…but you act like a heartless beast to others that don't accept you." She thought, reaching into a hidden bag. "I remember the day you told me why you did all of this. Yes it was because you hated Celestia and wanted to redeem those she banished, but even you saw that it wasn't the only reason or even a valid reason. No, what you told me made me think of myself, you told me all you wanted was a friend, a pony to love you for who you were." She said, removing a pink bottle.
"You may not think of me as somepony that could ever love you, but I do. You have a heart and you proved it when you cared for me when nopony else would. Gave me a home, made me a princess, and taught me everything you knew. Now it's time to return the favor Dark Fire." She said, examining the bottle in her hooves and looking back at Dark Fire. "Please drink this, it will make your heart whole again, fix the unfixable and repair the damage that has been done to you, because…I love you."
Dark Fire grabbed the bottle, looked over it a few times before smashing in on the ground. Trixie's eyes started to water but Dark Fire lifted her face up and wiped away her tears.
"That's not necessary and it would be useless, because...I love you too."
He quickly leaned in and kissed her on the lips before she could even respond. What was only minutes felt like hours before Dark Fire broke the kiss.
"Trixie…I think it's time for us to go home."