[Short Story Inspiration]
My narcissist friend had a severe power imbalance with the character roles of our "role-playing adventure". It was like a hierarchy of protagonist and villain strength, with my friend sitting comfortably on top. It went somewhat like this; My OC is weaker than my villains, my villains are weaker than his villains, and his villains are SUPER ULTRA MEGA DUPER INFINITELY weaker than him...
This isn't the food pyramid chart that I learned at school!? We can't move from bacon and eggs, to FRICKING GOD all of a sudden! IT'S NOT FAIR!!! If I'm still struggling to eat my veggies...
HOW ARE YOU EXPECTING ME TO EAT GOD!?
[Chapter 9: Overwhelming Weakness]
Back in the northern tower, the pegasus Lapistoria was lying in bed severely disoriented. Last night, the clock hit midnight, and after that, everything became a blur. Like if the transition between yesterday and tomorrow were months in an instant. Time seem to have... slipped away...
The filly got up to walk over by the window. She still didn't have a desire to fly, but she did had a desire to feel the sun and wind. After touching the window's handle, the weight of yesterday linger in her mind. There's so much she has to do, so much she NEEDS to do. And yet, she's not even close to solving those issues.
Lapistoria sigh in a shivering way, to then open the windows slowly and steadily. The light came in, but a horrible time revealed itself to the young pegasus...
The current season... it's Autumn...
[Start of the 11th day: 18 days remaining]
Outside, in the withered out garden, Princess Celestia was listening to the failed efforts of her sister and Spike. This is literally the worst possible outcome they could have encounter. Shining Armor was unable to be found, Galaxy knows how they resisted his manipulation, and autumn appeared once again. All of these things created an amalgamation of hopelessness that got on their nerves.
Spike: Welp... That's that, the end, the finale, the coup de grace! This sucks so BAD!!!
Luna: Not quite, by some miracle we are still not influence by Galaxy Spiral's manipulative charms. Therefore, I believe it is right to assume he doesn't know how to deal with Discord's lingering magic.
Celestia: Sorry sister, but that can't be the case. In my opinion, he's probably playing with us. Waiting for the optimal opportunity to "save us" from "Discord's curse".
The way Princess Celestia word it was as if Galaxy was playing with his food, an example of how insignificant they are compared to him. With that taken into account, Spike had an urge to ask something crucial.
Spike: I just don't get it? Discord died right? How is his magic blocking Galaxy from manipulating you. If I recall, wasn't Discord killed easily by Galaxy? His magic never stood a chance against him...
Luna: How odd of you to say such a thing when you were the one who brought up that fancy terminology. What was it again...? Metagaming?
Spike: OOOHHHH! I think I understand!
To metagame, one must first be address with the problem. Once that's been settled, the solution becomes apparent. By killing Discord, Galaxy was unable to see the problem, therefore a solution was never on sight. Spike would be laughing right now at the irony of the situation, but Galaxy is well acquainted with the problem right now, so the dragon simply stare at the princesses with immense concern.
Celestia: I still remember Discord's final words before leaving: "Although a pesky thing, good always seems to prevale against evil. No amount of chaos can sway that fact. That's why I know you'll succeed." From that day onwards, Galaxy was unable to read our minds. Discord's chaos counteract Galaxy's chaotic nature.
Luna: I've never seen Discord do a selfless act before. That was the first time I've felt sympathy towards him...
Spike: What broke me more about his death was that Fluttershy didn't show any sign of sorrow. Probably Twilight will be the same when Shining Armor dies too...
Every time they spoke, it felt worse and worse, to the point where they couldn't bare speaking anymore. A change of topic was needed with urgency, something to help them forget about the leaves falling around them. After waiting for a bit, they heard steps getting closer, while also crushing those leaves. Looking over at that direction, the pegasus Lapistoria was walking over to them, with an expression on her face that can be only be define with the word shame.
Once she was next to them, she greeted them, but it was obvious she was bothered by yesterday's events.
Lapistoria: Good morning Spike, Princess Luna, Princess Celestia...
Spike: Morning! Say, did you really just walk here instead of flying?
Lapistoria: Yeah, I'm not in the mood to fly today...
Spike: Wow... what an inconvenient way of being sad...
Luna/Celestia: SPIKE!!!
Spike: B-B-B-BUT VERY BENEFICIAL!!! Gotta stretch those legs every now and then!
Ignoring the dragon's attempt to take back his remark, the filly couldn't help but notice how awfully quiet was around the castle. Not a single guard on sight, bizarre indeed. Princess Luna saw the pegasus sights go all over the place, and immediately piece together Lapistoria's concern.
Luna: It was Galaxy, he erase our guards for the day so that no pony may intervine with him killing Shining Armor.
Lapistoria: OF COURSE! DUH! *Sigh* Sorry... I'm just that much of a dodumbo! As if there's anything he CAN'T DO!!!
Spike: WOAH LAPIS! What's wrong with you!? Are you still bothered by what happened last night? Chill, breathe!
Lapistoria: GAH! Dark Matter is just... HOW CAN I EVEN...! PRINCESS CELESTIA!!!
Although unsure of herself, Lapistoria gather the will to confront Celestia on her train of thought. As if an explosion of doubt came out of her mouth from just screaming that name. Spike and Luna didn't want to stop it, nor contribute anything to this conversation. Simply watching it was more than enough.
Lapistoria: Princess Celestia... am I really suppose to save Equestria from "him...?"
Celestia: Yes, I can't make it anymore clearer than that.
Lapistoria: Dark Matter... he "toyed" with me, mocked me, and spoke about things I'm not even CLOSE TO UNDERSTANDING!!! WHY AM I SUPPOSE TO DO THIS!? WHY MUST IT BE ME!?
Luna/Spike: (Lapistoria...)
Celestia: Do you really want to know?
Lapistoria: Yes... For once I would like to know what you see in me...
The alicorn's response to Lapistoria's doubts was an odd one, just a simple smile and a pat on the head. Spike and Luna were holding their breath in anticipation, as they felt Celestia was going to reveal the truth.
Celestia: Lapistoria, what does it mean to save Equestria?
Lapistoria: Winning! specifically against Dark Matter! To save Equestria we must beat him up!
Celestia: Winning? Really? Don't you think it sounds a tad bit... shallow?
Lapistoria: Why not? There can't be any peace in Equestria if we don't win? Am I missing something important?
Celestia: Many things, so many things. Don't worry though, apples don't start red. You still got a lot to learn.
Spike: WAIT! Does that mean you aren't going to say the truth to her!? COME ON!!! IT'S AUTUMN OVER HERE!!!
Celestia: I never insinuated such a thing. Regardless of what she said, I was still going to say it to her. Today might be the final day my sister and I will get after all...
Lapistoria: Princess Celestia... *GASP* LOOK OUT!!!
Unbeknownst to everypony except Lapistoria, a dark beam shot out of nowhere, heading straight to Celestia. The pegasus filly reacted quickly, and with a burst of will, she tackle the princess out of the way to receive the blast herself.
Spike/Luna/Celestia: !!!
The poor filly got dragged by the beam until she collided with a nearby tree. When it couldn't push her further, the dark energy explode in a flare of darkness. Stun but still active, the princesses and dragon got on their guard and looked around. It didn't took long before the entity came out from within the withered trees.
His body was clad in a black and red armor, with his head completely expose. It didn't matter though, since a dark aura masked his face, with the only thing viewable being his green eyes. Without a doubt, this is a unicorn corrupted by hated and fear...
Corrupt Knight: What a courageous yet foolish little pegasus. Her life is now nothing but a speck of dust in the wind...
Spike: L-Lapis... HEY, WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA! You're totally not Galaxy! WHO THE HECK ARE YOU!?
Luna: Spike, hold yourself, he can't see you...
Celestia: (An Arrival Scenario! And that magic... It's Sombra's magic. Could this be an original villain from Galaxy? Or could it be...?) YOU! Explain yourself! Who are you!?
Corrupt Knight: Trust me, context is the least of your concerns. Judging by your expressions, it's not far fetch to believe hope has slipped away from your grasp. Any final words...? Your Highness...
Charging already another beam, the Princess of the Moon and dragon stood in fear at the abundance of evil energy emanating from this monster. When they look at Celestia, she remained firm at the threat, and the two of them couldn't help wonder what's in her head. Unwilling to wait, Princess Luna grabbed Spike and flew away as fast as she could. While Princess Celestia remain stationary.
Corrupt Knight: Your sister was quite smart. If I was the loser I was before, I would probably run away myself.
Celestia: Glad we can agree in one thing, you aren't smart at all, "loser".
Corrupt Knight: I beg to differ...
Celestia: Then tell me this; Why is Lapistoria not dead?
Corrupt Knight: !!!
Within the dark fire cause by the first blast, an instant gust of wind shot out from it, dissipating flames. Princess Celestia words were right, Lapistoria was still alive. Despite that, something seems different with her. Her small wings grew in size to match that of an alicorn, and they were engulf in a light blue flame.
Up in the sky, Luna and Spike couldn't take their eyes off her, as anticipation overwhelm their feelings.
Lapistoria: *Pant* *Pant* (What's happening to me...? I feel like... I can do anything!!!)
Corrupt Knight: ASININE!!! HOW!?
Celestia: "Trust me, context is the least of your concerns." Shoot again if it makes you feel any better.
Corrupt Knight: GGGRRRRRRAAAAAHHHH!!!
Once again but with full force, the dark unicorn fire off a beam intending to kill the Princess of the Sun. She remain unflinching yet again, knowing this entity won't be able to touch her. Lapistoria made sure of that by physically colliding with the beam at a speed no pony could even perceive.
The attack ricochet on impact instead of exploding, sending it vertically up into the sky with double the power. The force was massive, to the point in which all clouds vanish like dust being blown away. Princess Luna was even forced to go down due to the insane pressure generated from the blast.
Spike: WWWWAAAAAHHHHH!!! LAPIS!!!
Luna: AH! NGH! (If Cloudsdale was nearby, it would have been the end of weather! Thank goodness it's an "Irrelevant Landmark".)
After the dragon and princess made their landing, Princess Celestia walked behind the filly as if it was to take cover. She then took advantage of the Corrupt Knight's bafflement to whisper instructions over the pegasus ear.
Celestia: If you can finish him now do it, but refrain from kill him. Outside of those restrictions you are free to do whatever you wish.
Lapistoria: A-Alright! (Princess Celestia has such a calm voice, like if she knew I would turn like this...)
The Corrupt Knight show signs of desperation, displaying it vividly by shooting repeatedly at Princess Celestia. The little filly's spirit wouldn't allow the barrage to go any further, as the flames on her wings ignited her entire body, and flare up intensely like an engine revving up.
Lapistoria: (How did she knew this about me? Why wasn't I the one who knew this about myself?)
Without any urgency, the filly began approaching her enemy slowly. The knight was in a desperate panic, trying his hardest to kill, KILL!, KILL!!! Unfortunately, it was all a futile endeavor, as his magic prove to be ineffective.
Corrupt Knight: AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH! WHY WON'T YOU DIE!!! I'M A ONE STALLION ARMY!!! CANTERLOT SHOULD BE BOWING TO ME!!! EQUESTRIA SHOULD BE BOWING TO ME!!! GALAXY SHOULD BE BOWING TO MMMMMEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
Lapistoria: (Dark Matter... did he also knew about this? That stupid mask nonsense he spoke of doesn't sound like anything I'm doing right now? Ugly monster? What does he mean by that?)
With each blast, the magic of the dark being was fading from his face, slowly revealing who he truly is. Lapistoria remain unaware, while the royal sisters and dragon knew when the green on his eyes disappear. It all made sense, the meaning of this autumn.
Spike: Is that...! *GASP* LAPIS STOP!!!
Lapistoria: (Just who the heck am I!?)
The young pegasus didn't hesitate. With a swipe of her hoof, the knight went flying across the garden, destroying all trees that were in his way before finally being stopped by the castle walls. It was a severally one sided fight, to the point in which calling it an assassination might be close to fitting.
The princesses and dragon walk over to Lapistoria, all independently showing a different facial expression. Princess Celestia was nonchalant, like if nothing will amaze her anymore. Her sister was the antonym of that emotion, disbelief is a great way to describe it. And Spike was flat out scared, not of Lapistoria, but of her actions.
Spike: Lapis... do you even know who that was!?
Lapistoria: Nope, but we're about to find out. Here, catch.
Lapistoria tossed something over Spike. The little dragon's reflexes kicked in, catching it without thinking twice on what it was. After taking but a simple glimpse, disgust and fear plaster on his face as he drop the thing. What he catch was the evil unicorn's horn that was cut clean off his head.
Spike: WHAT THE HECK!!! OH MY GOODNESS!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!
Lapistoria: ???
Luna: What an unhinged way to subdue somepony! Do you not feel any remorse!?
Lapistoria: Only if he apologies. There's no way I'll feel regretful if he starts doubling down on his delusion. Now let's see how this stallion looks under some light.
Going over to the Corrupt Knight, the four of them saw his magic quickly dissipating. When the darkness settle, it confirm their assumptions without a shred of doubt. The being of darkness was...
Shining Armor: Ex captain of the Royal Guard
Lapistoria: No way... Spike I'm...
Spike: Don't worry about it! You didn't knew any better! He's alive even! That's good!
Luna: We are at least glad you still have a semblance of sympathy. Let us help him, Shining Armor went through a lot, mentally and physically.
Spike/Lapistoria: RIGHT!
Celestia: ...
The pegasus, moon princess, and dragon gave assistance to the fallen Royal Guard, while Celestia stay looking around. Something is watching them near by. Once the three of them clean the rubble out of Shining Armor and help him stand up, he began crying over the regretful actions he committed.
Shining Armor: I-I-I...! WHAT H-H-HAVE I... AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!
Luna: Go on now... speak your woes...
To the surprise of everypony involve, Shining Armor mysteriously gain the ability to see Spike. He even remembers who he was, unlike anypony else.
Apart from that, it took a while for Shining Armor to finish conveying his emotions. His sorrow guide him through places that are best kept a secret. Listening to him ramble about his misfortune is enough for the most unluckiest pony of Equestria to feel blessed of his/her life. It was really that bad! But to his remaining luck, that life was coming to an end.
Shining Armor: Every single night and day, the words Cadence told me before the divorce hunt me to no end. "I wish you could have been as good as Galaxy." How can she say such a thing!
Spike: Did she sleept with him or something? I heard he's trying out polygamy.
Shining Armor: I have no idea... But when I heard about his engagement with my sister, something inside me broke. The walks I took to clear my thoughts became longer. Until finally, I got myself lost in the dark.
Luna: Was it on that stormy spring night?
Shining Armor: Yes, I remember it like it was yesterday... Huh...? Wait! was it yesterday?
Luna: Never mind that, proceed.
Shining Armor: Right... as I was saying, I got lost. The words Cadence threw at me resonated harder than ever. So to stop it from driving me crazy, I forced a desire into me, the desire to become better than Galaxy.
Spike: Really? AH-HA-HA! You're already better that Galaxy by a long shot! Then again, if I was in your horse shoes, and I kinda am, I would have done the same thing without hesitation.
Luna: In desperate times we succumb to drastic measures. I relate to your sorrow, as I myself took a regretful decision in the past.
The complements given to Shining Armor brought a feeling he was lacking during all those days alone; Happiness. He couldn't hold the tears any longer, as finally somepony else other than his parents understands his feelings. Lapistoria got near him, and after getting his attention, she wiped his tears with her new wings.
With a bit of a delay, the little filly present the Royal Guard with his horn. It seems somepony is regretful as well.
Lapistoria: I'm so sorry for what I did to you. If I was much more aware, I would have not done something so cruel.
Shining Armor: It's fine, in fact, I'm quite glad you didn't knew. I needed to be stopped some way, so I guess it's fitting for it to be like this. Thank you... What's your name?
Lapistoria: Lapistoria... nice to meet you...
As the horn was about to be passed on, Princess Celestia saw a glimmer on one of the garden bushes. Lapistoria wasn't paying attention to the thing the alicorn princess was seeing, but she could feel something amiss. In synch they both form a barrier made of magic and spirit, instinctively blocking a projectile coming from that place.
Celestia: I know you're there Galaxy, Shining Armor was your Arrival Scenario. You had no chance of catching us by surprise.
Galaxy: And yet I'm next to you...
The attack was a distraction, as if he ever needed one. In a flash, the handsome alicorn stallion slip between them like a soft wind. His composure was calm and compose, which was natural since he isn't playing as Dark Matter. On top of that, he was serious if seriousness can be more serious. Truly scary indeed... and redundant.
Galaxy took a brief look at Shining Armor, a killer intent can be seen in the alicorn's eyes. Such uncontrollable bloodlust was emitting behind that poker face, as he summon a Keyblade from the Kingdom Hearts series to strike him down. The specific Keyblade he chose to invoke was Oath Keeper, and he was pointing it straight at the Knight.
Galaxy: Shining Armor, your-
Lapistoria: Dark Matter!
Galaxy: Excuse me?
Lapistoria: DARK MATTER!!!
In an insane fury, the young pegasus took a leap at the alicorn prince. Galaxy didn't have time to be interrupted, so when she gave him her strongest attack, he return it back with his...
Galaxy: [Full Counter!]
A technique from the Seven Deadly Sins series that allow its user to reflect an attack back. The one he use specifically was the physical version, as Lapistoria does not possess any magical abilities.
Lapistoria: GGGGAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!
Spike/Celestia/Luna: LAPISTORIA!!!
Shining Armor: *Gasp*
Galaxy: (Fucking bitch ass cuntwat!) *Ehem* Shining Armor, your reign of terror has come to an end. State your final words, for it will be your last breath.
Celestia: NO YOU WON'T!!!
Luna: HALT!!!
Galaxy: My thoughts exactly; [Graviga!]
From the same series he got the Keyblade from, (And also Final Fantasy,) he cast a third grade Gravity spell, and quickly immobilize the two sisters under their own weight.
Luna/Celestia: NGH!!!
Spike: STOP IT!!! I WON'T LET YOU GO ANY FURTHER!!! YOU WON'T KILL ANYMORE!!!
Unwilling to let him pass, Spike took a huge gasp, and fired off a stream of fire straight at the alicorn. To the surprise of no pony, it prove to be completely ineffective, since every aspect of Spike is nonexistent in his point of view, including his fire.
Now that nothing can stop him, he pointed his blade at the Ex-Royal Guard, awaiting his final words. Shining Armor was sad, all the efforts to keep him safe fail in vain. But at the same time he was joyful, because not only did they try their best, he can at least die being himself.
Celestia: STOP IT!!!
Luna: DON'T KILL HIM!!!
Spike: SHINING ARMOR!!!
Lapistoria: (Why!? Why am I still so weak!? WHY CAN'T I WIN AGAINST THIS MONSTER!? I'm scared... I DON'T WANT TO DO THIS ANYMORE!!!) DARK MATTER!!!
With a mixture of grief and happiness, the proud Royal Guard said...
"I lived enough..."
And with a stroke of a brush, the autumn garden was painted red...
[End of the 11th day: 17 days remaining]
[End of Chapter 9]