Crossworld Between Harmony: Nightmare's Ascension

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// Story: Crossworld Between Harmony

// Chapter 7 - The Dirty Deal

// Author: Scarlet Reign

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“The master has given us permission to commence,” The butler informed the defender of the mansion, “Kill everyone in sight.”

The defender nodded, gesturing to the human footmen to begin preparations. “This will send the wrong message to the council, you know.”

“To the blight with them, the council is not of our concern, it is the one that delivers the message to them.”

“By thy command, we shall do so.” The defender agreed, sighting the cannons and making sure the archers were ready for the order.

The butler smiled, grimly amused. He quickly added, “If you spot the purple beast in the carriage, have its head cut off and presented to the master.”

“...As you wish...”

======

Twilight pouted, slightly annoyed. Irritated over the fact that she couldn’t join Hover into the investigation. Lying down on her seat, she tried to sleep to take her mind off it. So far, it wasn’t working.

While the purple mare sighed in boredom, the other guard, sitting at the opposite side of her, couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh come on now, Twilight. Surely you must realize now that it would stir a lot of trouble. Especially the ones that aren’t tolerant enough to understand your existence.”

Twilight was stubborn, rolling over the side and moping. She had to admit that he was right.

Guard Rever was handpicked by the gray captain when he discover his talent as a capable leader. Born from a rag-tag militia group, Rever defended his home against raiders and bandits alike. His tactics and bravery had save countless lives, honoring the role as the Soulus guard.

“I know it must hurt, staying here and doing nothing,” Rever commented. “But even then, the law must be implemented and as such--”

“I know the rules, alright!” Twilight shouted out. Her words almost reached the others outside and Rever was slightly stunned. She heavily sighed. “I am sorry, I didn’t mean to be like that.”

“And I didn’t mean to be so straightforward,” Rever apologized. “Is there anything else you want me to do?”

Twilight shook his head. “No, it’s alright Rever. I’m just... tired.”

“Indeed you are, miss Twilight,” he said, looking at her state. “When did you last sleep?”

Twilight shrugged, unsure how long she had even thought of sleeping. For grueling months, she have worked long and hard to stop Nightmare Moon and her evil schemes. Without end, she had done what any human could do, halting her progress and her allies. But she cannot sit here, doing nothing while the realm was under attack by an enemy that they do not know of.

Travelling throughout the human realm she not only saw fear and ignorance of mankind, but as well as hope and their stubborn resolve. Twilight remembered a lot of her new friends that fell beneath Nightmare Moon’s scheme, falling and dying in her forearms. She wanted to be part of something, to be part of the investigation as soon as possible.

Twilight could only wish that she had sided with captain Hover one more time just like the old days. They were like peanut butter and jam, sticking through the thick and thin. The two were an unstoppable force of brain and brawn, nobody could outmatch their harden resolve.

In her first time visiting the human realm, Twilight didn’t know where to begin. Lost in the majesty of a new world, she had to hide behind the shadows, constantly avoiding the prying eyes of the precarious crowd until it was safe to come out. If it weren’t for her faithful companions that she tagged along with then she wouldn’t have met captain Hover in the first place.

The companions that Twilight spoke of were the very same people that attacked Ponyville six months ago. After the fateful incident in Ponyville, the nine defeated humans were locked away in the palace dungeon of Canterlot.

Twilight remembered like it was just yesterday as her teacher, Princess Celestia, glared at the humans with fitting rage. Because of their actions, Celestia had to rule Equestria alone and without her sister, Luna.

Twilight was beside her every step of the way, fearful of her terrible wrath. She had thought her teacher would have send them to the moon, or worse; but instead, Princess Celestia choose a different answer.

She pardoned them all in one fell swoop.

Twilight startled in utter shock. How could Princess Celestia pardoned them all like that? It was then at that moment, that her teacher would do the unthinkable. She then welcomed them with open arms, as friends and advisors.

Twilight shook in disbelief. Never before that the invaders would instantly be Celestia’s personnel advisors. It was unheard of and was downright insane. The entire castle of Canterlot shook to its very core as the nine human sentinels were flabbergasted by the event.

Princess Celestia had her motivation, a reason, as to why she willingly let the humans go. Twilight knew certain well that her teacher was up to something; she could feel in her bones that the humans have some purpose. And that purpose, finally revealed itself.

As months went by, the sentinels gradually became her most trusted bodyguards, sharing their knowledge and expertise to the princess. Eventually, the sentinels had to return to their realm, but not bringing along a lavender mare into the trip. This was Princess Celestia’s plan all along for Twilight Sparkle.

At first, Twilight was speechless, a mindblower. She would have never imagine herself to be the first pony to travel into a new realm. She was shock, but it was worth every bit of it; and truthfully, her curiosity got the better of her.

“...the captain sure has been taking long,” Rever added, looking out from the window and gazing at the mansion. “Do you think they’re in sort of trouble?”

“Pfff, please, that’s unlikely of him...except of course the other time, and the other time before that,” Twilight suddenly began to worry for the captain. “Nah, it couldn’t be like that. There’s no way he’ll do it again, I hope.”

Rever wasn’t buying her reason; he knew there was something wrong with the captain and they have been in the mansion for far too long enough. If the captain was safe, then he would give out a signal.

As the two laid dormant, a terrible cry appeared from out of the blue.

The two jumped in startle as Rever quickly exited the carriage, only to find his fellow guardsman lying dead with an arrow plunge onto his neck.

A volley of arrows flew from every corner, landing a direct hit at the surprised Soulus guards. Unsafe in the open field, the guards quickly formed up their shields. The attack came from the inside. It was an ambush. They were deceived.

“What’s going on? What happening?” Twilight asked, hearing their crying wail and slightly sticking her head outside from the carriage.

“Get inside!” Rever barked, pushing the lavender mare back into the carriage as a lethal dart almost misses her by an inch to her head. He quickly cursed. “Blighted gutters, I knew we should stick to the original plan!  Stay low and be quiet, don’t come outside until I said so.” He brought his shield up, blocking at the oncoming darts, glaring at the archers with a terrible vengeance.

“Whatever happens, Twilight, don’t open this door to anyone,” he added. “Keep it lock and whatever happens...to us, well, you get the idea.”

Twilight swallowed, nodding shakingly at the last remark. She truly remembered her companions that she tagged along with from her first visit. They didn’t make it out alive. She could see his smile, slightly grinning as Rever closed the door shut. His voice could be heard from the distant, calling out in orders to the remainder of the guards.

“Get into place! To arms, to arms and prepare for a fight.” Twilight heard, carefully listening until gunshots were fired. The loud boom hurt her fragile ears.

“Over there, on the right! Shoot them!”

“Form shields, we’ve gotta to hurry before--gah!”

“Blasted blighters, what is that?! By Savior, move away!”

Their terrible scream frightened Twilight; she remembered all too well of the sound of battle. It was sudden, quick, and painless. She’d manage to get up on her track, but this time, this time it was different.

Twilight quickly came to hear the enemy’s cannons, pounding at the guards that nearly shook the carriage. With the battle raging on, she then covered her ears, tightly blocking them so she could not listen to the horrors outside. So far it proved ineffective.

“Twilight!”

When her name was called out, she instantly snapped, recognizing the voice belonging to Rever.

“Twilight!” Rever repeated as his voice began to strain. “We cannot hold them for much longer. You must get out of here, now!”

Rever, no! I won’t do that!” Twilight shouted, countering back. “There is no way I’m leaving you guys. I made a promise,  won’t abandon you!”

“Just get out here, Twilight! This entire mansion is coming for your hide!” Twilight could hear a painful grunt from his voice. “Tell the captain...that I did all that I can...”

From his dying breath, a large blast suddenly interrupted. The force exploded awfully close to the carriage, leaving nothing to remain but an ominous silence. Twilight couldn’t hear his voice outside, nor any of the guards in that matter. She shook her head, angrily refusing to believe that Rever and the rest were dead. Her hooves quivered; she was beyond to express her loss.

Twilight was about to open the door when she heard a clicking sound. It came from the outside.

There was a smile on her face, convincing herself that it might be Rever. But she knew any better than that when she heard an unfamiliar voice.

It wasn’t Rever, or the Soulus guards.

It was the footmen.

Twilight backed away from the entrance, hearing their voices getting louder by minute. Her horn began to charge in a radiant light. The footmen finally got the door open, only to meet a powerful beam that knocked them away, leaving them stunned by the attack.

A force barrier then emerged, wrapping around the carriage and preventing the footmen to get in. Twilight managed to gaze outside the open door and was petrified to see the fallen guards, lying motionless. She couldn’t see where Rever was except the foot soldiers, standing outside and waiting for the mare to come out.

Struggling to keep her barrier in check, a heavily armored man approach to the barrier, gazing magic that was constructed by the equine.

“You know you can’t stay there forever,” he stated, slightly annoyed at the barrier. “Be prepared that if you aren’t willing to get out, then I have no other choice,” the man gestured his hand at the cannoneers as they aimed their cannons at the carriage. “Please, come quietly beast. I promise you that your death will be quick and painless.”

“Murderer! Heartless!” Twilight snarled. “You killed my friends!”

“An unfortunate loss and for that, I am sorry. But I have my orders,” the armored man gestured at the cannons, readying to take fire. “I ask you one last time, mare. Will. You. Surrender?”

Twilight glared, angrily at the man. She shook her head in defiance at the man

The armored man sighed but slightly smiled. “I see you have spirit in you left, I respect that,” he gradually turned and walk away. “Goodbye, Twilight Sparkle.”

The cannoneers lighted the fuse, aiming deadly at the lavender mare. Twilight grimly looked up, hearing the sizzling embers of their cannons. There was no way that she could withstand the blast; not with all the cannons that was directing at her. The barrier would be destroyed and along with her in it if she doesn’t do something.

There was no way that she would escape the carriage, not while the footmen was waiting for her outside, stalking their likely prey. The chance for survival was grim and with time running out, she would have no other choice but to rely on her magic.

But was it worth the risk?

Enough strength left to teleport herself out of the situation, she hasn’t got the fondest idea of the area of the mansion. Would she meet her untimely demise or her safety? For now, she didn’t have time to decide when she grimly heard the cannons fire.

As the cannons roared with life, Twilight concentrated deeply on her magic. Her horn sparked with great ferocity, radiating in a bright purple light.

The daunting light hesitated some of the footmen as the iron shell made contact. The carriage exploded in incredible fire and smoke, leaving nothing of remain but ruinous rubble.

The carriage was destroyed, but where was Twilight?

======

Somewhere at the mansion...

A light emerged from out of a blue, opening a small portal and a powerful wind. Twilight instantly dropped to the ground as the portal quickly vanished without a trace. Exhausted and spent from her magic, she saw tears in her eyes as mourned the loss of her dearest friend.

The experience was familiar to Twilight, losing a fellow friend was painful and Rever was one of them that it was too much to bear. Studying, exploring and living for six months in the human realm could change a pony’s perspective and Twilight surely have face death many times before.

Wiping away her mournful tears, Twilight stood vigilant, still shaken, but headstrong. Their sacrifice would be in vain if she just stand here and crying out. She needed to survive this nightmare event, and live.

“Where in Equestria am I?” Twilight asked herself, roaming around on what appears to be a wasteland. Lucky enough, she was safe for a moment as she took a breather. To her realization, captain Hover might already be captured by the enemy. She needed to find a way to get inside to the mansion and rescue Geos and the captain before it was too late.

Twilight began striding across the dead place, still disbelief on what just happen. She’d never thought the footmen could attack the Soulus guards like that. The ambush they’ve pulled was brilliant, and dangerously accurate. With more foot soldiers coming for her head, she’d suspected to be the work of Nightmare Moon’s influence as the armored man from earlier mentioned her name. Fortunate to be alive and well, she trailed forward to the mansion, but found herself paused by the dreary place.

The garden from the front was gorgeous, spectacular in all of its beauty. But at the back of the mansion, it was different, like the life was sucked out from them. As Twilight strided through the desolate garden the dead plants were already wilted, lost of its vibrant luster.

She questioned about the place. Why was the front garden beautiful and perfect while the back lingered in ruin and chaos? She smelled a mystery going on here and she was curiously wanted to find out.

It didn’t took long for Twilight To realize that the loud disturbance brought certain attention of the mansion. Emerging from the doors, a dozen of servants attended at the back garden, wielding their deadly blades. Their purple eyes glowed in the night.

“Find that beast,” said the head servant, scanning at the dead garden. “The master wants her dead! You, search over there! Find me that beast, I want her head on a silver platter!”

The servants nodded and patrolled through the garden. Twilight anxiously swallowed, hiding behind the bushes and watching carefully at the oncoming patrols. She tried to sneak away, passing some of the patrols, but her carelessness got the better of her as one of the servant was dangerously close.

Bracing for the worst to come, they came abruptly interrupted when they heard a massive explosion.

Above the blacken spire, a thunderous sound burst through the window. Shards of glass shattered in pieces as it fell toward at the servants. This was her moment for Twilight to escape; she waited for the right moment for the shards to get closer at the servants.

Alright, now or never. Twilight sprinted out from heading and into the open area. The servant was startled as the mare emerged from the dead bushes and instantly running into the mansion. He alarmed to the others and tried to grab the little pony, but the falling sharp glasses prevented them to lay a finger on her as she made her way to the door.

Tightly sealing the entrance with her magic, Twilight hurried into a hiding spot. The door quickly barged open as the servants scattered throughout the mansion, hoping to find their little intruder.

“Blighted bits, where’s that bloody beast?” The servant snarled.

“The beast would be dealt with, but we need to head up to the spire as possible,” the head servant stated. “I’ll bet that she is trying to escape again.”

“Blast, why do we need to keep her anyway?” the other servant asked. “We should just get rid of her be done with it. There’s no--” The servant was cut off when he grimly noticed a blade into his stomach. He collapsed, dying in the instant.

The blade was dripped of the servant’s blood, as butler Wheler was cleaning his sword. “There’s no way that you would understand,” he said, ominously staring at the startled men. “Get every available men into the spire. We cannot let her escape, not this time.”

The head servant nodded, shaken at Wheler’s present as he ascended into the stairs. With the servants and Wheler heading to the spire, Twilight emerged from hiding underneath the bed, staring in disbelief on what just happen.

Who are they talking about? Twilight thought as she crawled out from hiding. Sighing with a moment of relief and acting cautiously for more humans, she came to fully grasped the place.

The mansion itself felt unnatural, shrouding with dread and despair. Twilight became unease, slightly nauseating by the smell of death. She’d never felt so much sadness in one single day as the entire place reeked with trouble. The room that she hide was haunting, ancient, like it hasn’t been used for over a decade. She quickly explored the room, seeing nothing but dust and luxurious furniture.

Scouring through the desolate place, Twilight came to notice a painting portrait, dangling at the fireplace. The picture was distorted, lost of its hue and vibrancy but she was able to manage to see the picture. Looking closely, she saw a woman at the picture, sitting on her chair and wearing a luxurious red dress; her eyes was deep as emeralds.

Twilight couldn’t help but to felt slightly jealous of her beauty. She reminded of somepony that she know back in Ponyville. The same well-mannered pony with a generous heart. Examining the portrait, there was tall, robust figure, standing beside of her. The man wore a red military outfit, showing dozen of medals that planted on his chest. She guessed it correctly that it was a Scarlet officer, but couldn’t describe his face for a piece of the canvas was ripped off.

This is getting weirder by the minute. I have to find Hover as soon as possible. Twilight left the room and raced through the corridor, minding her step for more human servants. She reached through the front room of the mansion and sighted hundred of books laying about.

Wow, this Haliv person sure knows how to collect books, just look at it all. Twilight restrained the urge to read the books as she trailed further into the mansion. The hallway was pitched black, unable to see her own hooves. She lighted the area with her horn, moving cautiously ahead; and though she was still weak from her teleportation spell, she still had enough strength left to deal anyone, or anything that stood in her way.

As she wandered aimlessly through the hall she began to hear voices, calling out to her. The voices whispered to her, crying out for help. She quickly began to lose it, shaking her head of the illusions. But it didn’t work. As she went deeper and deeper ahead, she quickly stumbled upon a row of empty human suit of armours, lining motionless from each side.

Slightly startled by the armours,Twilight pressed on, taking each moment step. The armours were frightening, intimidating even. The more she stared at their helmets, the louder the voices began to pester on her thoughts. As she was striding ahead, a halberdier suddenly dropped in front of her.

Twilight jumped by the sound and slightly backed away from the suit of armour. “Calm down, Twilight, calm down, it’s only the wind.” She gave out a feign laugh. “Yeah, it must be, nothing to worry about.” She crossed the halberdier and continued,  convincing herself that everything would be alright.

She thought that she would be safe and that there was no danger crawling from behind. That was when the suit of armour suddenly rose from the carpet.