//-------------------------------------------------------// Equestrian Wars Book 1: The Rise of the Dominion -by Firestorm162- //-------------------------------------------------------// //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 1: The Invite //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 1: The Invite Fluttershy enjoyed the cold, clean air when she walked at night, she had often thought of it peaceful. She was on her way home from Sweet Apple Acres, where she was visiting her coltfriend, Big Macintosh. The two of them had started dating after Discord's rehabilitation. As Fluttershy trotted happily along the path towards her cottage, she soon noticed she wasn't alone, there was a young stallion following her. She quickly figured she should probably run, and did so the rest of the way to her cottage, but the stallion wasn't far behind. Fluttershy did manage to make it to her cottage, got in, and locked the door, but when she turned around the stallion was there inside the cottage with her,"Please don't hurt me." Fluttershy whimpered as she held onto the wall. The stallion approached her ever so gently, because he knew if he made any threatening moves, he'd scare the poor mare,"Miss Fluttershy?" The stallion asked lending out a helping hoof. Fluttershy took the stallion's hoof and stood up,"Yes, I'm Fluttershy." The timid Pegasus said in a soft tone. The stallion reached into his saddle bag and pulled out six invites,"I was told to deliver these to you and your friends." The stallion said handing Fluttershy the six envelopes,"Invitations?" She asked curiously. The stallion said nothing and nodded his head, he proceeded to pull a clipboard out of his saddle bag and balanced it on his hoof,"Sign here please." The stallion said to Fluttershy. Fluttershy took the pen in her mouth and wrote her signature on the line she was designated to,"Thank you miss, and have a wonderful evening." The stallion said as he left the house. Now that he was gone Fluttershy had a chance to figure out what's in the envelopes given to her. She quickly opened one of the envelopes and read it to herself. Meanwhile, in Chanterlot. I was meeting with a client to discuss a job he wanted me to take, we met publicly at the Chanterlot Cafe, because it was safer. I looked around for my client and saw him in the corner of the cafe sipping tea and eating cookies, I made my way to him,"Whose soul are you preying for is it mine?" I asked in our secret code, he looked up at me and smiled. I smiled back politely, he looked around and removed his hat,"Who are you?" He asked in his code, I looked around again and placed out a hoof symbolizing that I wanted to sit, he nodded in return giving me the okay,"I am Nemesis." I said taking a seat,"And Justice shall roll like waters." I said removing my hood. He looked at me from across the table and signaled a waitress to come to our table,"And Righteousness, the everlasting stream, give friend whatever he wants Kimono." My client finished. I felt honored that my client would be so generous to somepony of my stature,"I'll take a cup of Earl Grey Tea, and some crumble cake." I said the waitress. Kimono walked away with a flirtatious smile on her face,"It's good to see you again, Silver Skull." I said to my client, referring to the silver skull mask he had fused to his face. "You too Orphios, now I take you know why I called you here?" Silver Skull asked, sipping more of his tea. I nodded my head,"Yeah, but I'm curious why didn't you send me the info on this target?" I asked circling my hoof around in the table. My tea came shortly after,"Thanks." I said to the waitress, to my surprise Kimono dragged her hoof through my black mane. She walked away with another flirtatious look on her face,"Yes, there is a reason to many ponies would have discovered our plan." He said handing me the file. I took a sip of my tea and opened the file, I was shocked with who my target was,"This is-" but before I could finish Silver Skull cut me off,"I know that this one is hard for you, because you know her, but you must kill or capture her, I'm sorry I wouldn't of had you take this one-" I cut him off before he could finish. "I follow a very strict code of honor, that places my trust I you as my client, I will try to capture her, but if I fail to capture I'll have no choice but to kill her." I said taking a bite out of my cake. He looked at me with a sad look in his eyes, but he said nothing to me. About two awkward minutes later he finally speaks,"I'm sorry Orphios, but your father wants her, she's crucial to our plan, and you know what happens to those who go against your father." Silver Skull said finishing his tea. He stood up and bowed in respect and left,"So do you accept the contract?" He asked. I was hesitant to answer, because I knew this target personally, but she destroyed my trust a long time ago, this was my chance at vengeance,"Yeah, I accept." I told him. He smiled, bowing again and left the Cafe. I was left alone looking down at the picture in the file. My new target, was not one I wanted to deal with, but I had no choice, what could I do, it's either help my father or break my contract and get publicly disgraced as an outcast amongst my fellow Equestrians. I just kept staring at the picture,"Sir, your bill." Kimono said handing me a slip of paper,"Who's that beautiful mare?" She asked In a questioning tone as she looked at the picture from the file,"She's an old friend, I believe you know her as Princess Luna." I said revealing my target's name, but not the fact she's my target. Kimono looked shocked and walked away I paid my bill off and give Kimono her tip, and left the Cafe. Walking through the streets of Chanterlot I began to wonder how am I going to pull this off. Author's Note This is a rewrite of my original story and needless to say I just hope you enjoy this one. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 2: Scoping out the palace //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 2: Scoping out the palace I made my way towards the Royal Palace to scope out the area, but how does one such as myself break into the most heavily guarded building in all of Equestria? I could not say, but I knew that some how, some way, I'd get in the palace, even the heaviest of stones has it's weak spot. I sat from a far admiring the view I had of the palace, Guards patrolled every knook and crany, but they weren't with out faults,"It's nice to know, that the guards patrol in shifts." I chuckled as I watched the guards shift from place to place,I've got to get closer. I thought to myself, I proceeded to move ever so carefully towards the palace wall. When I made it towards the wall I saw a window of opportunity. Opportunity, came in the form of a blind spot between two guard towers,"This gonna be easier then, I thought." I whispered to myself. Using a ancient spell, I made myself translucent enough to walk through the wall, luckily I was in front of some barrels I could hide behind. I saw the guards continuing their patrols and gradually snuck through using the shadows as cover. I eventually made my way to a door, that I was easily able to sneak through, silently closing the door behind me,Worthless guards. I thought to myself continuing my current route. I proceed to wander through the dimly lit corridor,Damn it, I can't see a thing! I thought to myself as I proceeded down the hall, I looked around and saw a better lit corridor,"Much better." I whispered to myself. That's when I saw Luna, my target heading for the throne room,I better follow her. I thought to myself using my magic to turn myself invisible. "Dear sister, what is the news?" Luna asked, her regal sister who sat upon the throne, Celestia looked at Luna and sighed,"Dire news, my sister, your old friend Orphios, has been spotted in the city." Celestia said to the midnight coated Alicorn. I circled around eager to get a better look, thankfully I was invisible, Luna had a look of pure joy on her face,"He's here in the city?" Luna asked, happy tears rolling down her eyes, Celestia simply nodded,"I haven't seen him in forever, could I go see him, where is he staying?" Luna asked in a joyful tone, I have to admit it was good to see her smile, again. Celestia looked at her sister questioningly,"Celestia, I want to see him where is he staying?" Luna asked again. "Luna, Orphios and you didn't leave each other on a happy note." Celestia said as she stood from her throne, Luna looked at Celestia in anger. "I want to see him, I want to make things right between us." She says to her sister. Celestia just looked at Luna, and shook her head,"Fine, if you won't tell me where he is, I'll find him on my own." Luna said storming out of the throne room. Interesting. I thought to myself. I follow Luna out and once she was alone in the hallway, she broke into sobs, I felt bad. I walked over to her and I was about to place a hoof on her shoulder, but I stopped myself,What are you doing? She's a target, don't get emotionally invested, no matter how much you want to keep her safe, she'll always be the symbol of your hatred. I thought to myself. I couldn't take her sobs anymore, I stepped in front of her, got rid of my magical field and hugged her,"Orphios?" She asked me in shock. I looked at her and wiped her tears away. "Hi, Luna." I say to her with a smile, she happily hugged me back,"I can't stay here, meet me tonight, at the Canterlot cafe." I tell her standing up. "I will." She says giving me a good bye hug, and walking away. I turn invisible again, and it walk in the opposite direction, I could hear Luna giggling happily, like a school filly being asked out to prom by the love of her life,She's cute. I thought to myself as I continue to walk through the halls, I quickly teleport out of the castle, and I end up at the front gate, I quickly get rid of my invisibility spell and I walk away,"I have a plan." I say to myself making my way for my apartment. Meanwhile, back in the castle, Luna happily trots through the hallway,"Luna!" Celestia calls excitedly. "Yes, sister?" Luna asks in curiosity, looking at Celestia. "Luna, we've been invited to a party by, Desperado, which means you might finally get over Orphios, and you can get a stallion." Celestia says to Luna, whose facial expression changes to that of sadness. "I love him, though." Luna says a tear rolling down her face. "If you really love him, you'll let him go." Said a deep male voice, Celestia and Luna looked at where the voice was coming from and saw a male Alicorn, and a female Alicorn standing there. "Hi, Fullmoon." Luna says giving the male a hug, Celestia hugs the female. "It's good to see our siblings again." The female Alicorn says to her sisters. "You shouldn't do this." I hear a familiar voice speak to me, I look back and see a Red coated Alicorn standing there. "What do you know, your not even alive?" I ask the creature, who along with four others would not leave me alone. They were dead and somehow I could see them. "I know that if you do this she'll never forgive you." The creature says to me. Whatever. I thought to myself. Author's Note It took me awhile, but it's finally here. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 3: The Night of the Party //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 3: The Night of the Party "Girls, these were delivered to me last night!" Fluttershy called happily as she and her pet bunny Angel, ran towards her friends, they had all gotten together outside of SweetApple Acres, for their weekly pet play date, she handed the invites out to each of her friends, and she proceeded to read hers aloud. Dear, Fluttershy You and any plus one of your choice is cordially invited to a party, being yelled with in a weeks time of the night you'll receive this letter, we look forward to having you at the party Signed, Desperado, CEO of Desperado Enterprises P.S. The party will be held in Manehatten. After Fluttershy read her letter, Everypony looked at her in surprised awe,"We were invited to a party, by the Desperado!" Rarity said in ecstatic surprise as she soon fainted to the ground, Fluttershy released a giggle at the sight of Rarity's reaction,"Who in the name of Faust, is Desperado?" Rainbow asked, scratching her chain with a questioning look in her face, Pinkie released an utterly horrified gasp at Rainbow's question. "Rainbow, how do you not know who Desperado is?" AppleJack asked. "I've never heard of him,mis that a crime?" Rainbow asked rubbing the back of her head awkwardly. "Dashie, Desperado is the richest pony in all of Equestria, he's the CEO of the largest business corporation in all of Equestria, half of the Royal Guard are hired swords for Desperado, he helped rebuild the Crystal Empire, he's one of Rarity's biggest supporters, he owns six hospitals, he's in charge of trade routes between Equestria and other countries, and he's personal friends with the Royal Family!" Pinkie said bouncing up and down excitedly. "He's also friends with my parents." Twilight said with a blush, she didn't want to admit that Desperado is also one of Equestria's top three most eligible bachelors,"Wait, is this the stallion who is currently trying to help pass a law saying that homosexuals can be married?" Rainbow asked curiously. Everypony nodded at her happily,"Awesome!" Rainbow said flying up and raising a hoof to the air. "So I take it Everypony wants to go." Twilight said, already knowing the answer, Everypony simply nodded and began talking over one another. Meanwhile, back in Canterlot, I was meeting with Luna at the Canterlot Cafe, I saw her walk in and waved her to the table, she came by and sat across from me,"It's good to see you, Luna." I say to her. She smiled at me in return and gently placed a hoof on my own, which took me off a little. The waitress soon came by and asked for our orders,"I'll take the crumble cake, and a cup of Green Tea." She said with a smile. The waitress soon looked at me,"I'll have what she's having, just instead of Green Tea, I'll take Earl Grey Tea, extra sugar and honey." I reply the waitress. The waitress bows and walks away from the table, Luna looked at me and, I could see this type of glow in her eyes,"Orphios, I'd like to invite you as my plus one, to a party with Desperado." Luna said to me, Everything is going according to plan. I thought to myself. I nod my head in response as the two pieces of cake and our tea get here. "When is the party?" I ask already knowing the answer for it was all part of the plan to get Luna to come to us. "Six days." Said Luna, a deep shade of crimson appearing on her face, as she finished her cake, I laugh realizing she still has the same appetite, I soon finish my cake and tea and I pay the bill leavening the waitress her tip, and the two of us leave together, I walk her back to the castle. "I had a great time tonight." Luna says to me as we reach the gate, I nod in return. "We should do this again." I say to her. She nods in agreement and gives me a quick peck on the cheek before walking into the castle. She's falling for my trap. I thought to myself as I silently chuckle. I walked away from the castle already silently planing how I was gonna kidnap that gullible fool, who thinks I still cared about her. I decided to lower her guard by going with her to the party, and then I'd lead her into a false sense of security, and then I'd take her. It was brilliant. One week later.... Twilight Sparkle and her friends were all dressed up with their dates and went off for the party, little did they know this would be a night to remember for all the wrong reasons. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 5: Night To Remember Part 2 //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 5: Night To Remember Part 2 I stood outside on this cool summer's night kissing Luna and enjoying every minute of it. "I love you, too." I said to her breaking the kiss. She smiled at my response and hugged me. I smiled and led her back in. My name was called to head to the back office. "Luna, I gotta go take care of that. I'll be back, love." I say kissing her cheek and heading to the back room. Once I reached the back room, the smell of death hit me like a drunken Pegasus. The smell was so horrid I almost ended up gagging. I then noticed the dead body on the floor. The griffon, my father, Flash, Desperado, and a Unicorn stallion were searching around desperately. "What the hell happened!?" I asked looking at them. Flash turned around and glared,"This foolish stallion knew too much about the plan." He said. I silently cursed to myself. "Does he have one of the pages with him?" I asked desperately. "We don't know." Said the Griffon. I again silently cursed to myself. "Great, just great. You guys gotta get rid of it. I could smell him from out there!" I said angrily trying to collect my thoughts. My father looked at me as if to say: we gotta fine the page first. "Father, I don't care right now. It's only one page out of fourteen." I say to him. "Son, you better start caring. Even one diary page, can set off a mare hunt for the other thirteen." He said. I got to the floor and helped them look. It took us awhile, but we found it. "Son, hold onto it. I trust you. So, keep the diary page secret." I nod and help them put the body in a tub. "We'll hand disposing this worthless worms body. You stink to the plan." He said to me as he began pouring containers of acid into the tub, to dispose of the body. I nodded and walked back out to the party. I was given a message before I left. hoping this would work, I walked over to Luna and her six friends,"Ladies." I said greeting them all. They smiled. "So, mr Orphios, what do you do for work?" Twilight asked. I smiled at her and looked around. "I'm a freelancer. I do any form of work. I was actually told to ask if you seven would accompany me to a archeological dig site?" I asked them for it was the next phase of the plan. Twilight, nodded excitedly. Where as Rainbow Dash was fantasizing about meeting Daring Do. The others though were a little skeptic. 9 "We'll be heading to a previously unknown region. Filled with new animals, maybe new design ideas, and some new fruits." I said hoping this could work better. They gave in and agreed. Pinkie just being happy to do anything new. Luna smile and nuzzled me. "I'll be picking you ladies up the day after tomorrow to head to the site." I said as the party was drawing to an end. I escorted the ladies back to their carriages with their dates. One by one, the mares left. I had Luna go with Discord and Celestia. I was late for a very important meeting with my real client. Using my magic I was able to teleport, my destination was a distant land called Dream Valley. To be much more specific, the Midnight Castle. I quickly reformed myself inside the castle, and made my way to the meeting room. I saw my father outside the room, he looked nervous. "Is everything alright?" I asked him curiously. He nodded and was about to speak, but soon the doors opened. I gulped and entered the room. Inside the room, were twenty two thrones. Nineteen of which, had a figure sitting in it. I nervously stood before the figures whom had their hoods draped over their faces. I looked towards the three empty thrones. One of the thrones was about the size of the one in Canterlot. The second one was about my size. The other was small about filly size. I'm gonna regret this. I thought to myself. Soon the doors slammed behind me. I whimpered softly and looked at the figures whom said nothing. One of them suddenly chuckled softly,"You fear us, Orphios?" The slender figure asked. He didn't look Equine based he looked taller and sat upright, like a Diamond Dog would. Only taller. I knew if I lied they would call me out so, I nodded. He chuckled again, his voice was garbled and sinister sounding. "That's good, your fear makes me stronger." He said. I looked down whimpering like a school colt who got in trouble. "Klotho, leave the poor stallion alone." Said a soothing, motherly mare voice. I looked towards the voice and I thought. what is she gonna do to me? I tried not to whimper. "Is there a reason, why I was called here?" I smile and try to show no fear. Klotho seemed to enjoy that. "Yes, our master summoned you." Said a much deeper voice that spoke with a thick British accent. "However, he is running a bit late. So, we will have to wait." Said the motherly voice. Suddenly the doors opened and in stepped another figure. He was pony sized about the size of Prince Blueblood. His light brown coat and scarred mouth shun bright in the candle light. His face bore a silver mask that covered all but his mouth and red eyes. He smiled his sharp teeth stained with blood and a long black tongue slithering out of his mouth. The tip of the tongue was forked and he chuckled. "I am the Emperor. Your master." He said as he pulled out a golden scepter. The scepter, bore two silver blades, in between them was a purple gem stone, with red electricity spewing from it. "Do you know we are?" He asked. I nodded,"you're the Dominion." I said he smiled and tapped the bottom of his scepter on the ground, almost as if applauding me. "That is right. We are the ones who create the terror and invade your nightmares." Said Klotho. The motherly voice chuckled,"We are your deepest and darkest desires made real." "We are the sin." Said another female voice. "The lust." "The temptation." The last two to speak we're a male with a deep booming voice. And one that sounded like neither male or female, but both at once. "We are the corruption that plagues the land, and that is why we need you." Said the emperor. "You will help us, bring our plan for a better world to light." He continued with that sinister smile. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 6: Let the Game Begin //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 6: Let the Game Begin My instincts were confused. I just stood there watching them,"How can I help you?" I asked as I kneeled on one knee. At that the Emperor smiled. He stood up and laughed,"We need "Princess" Luna." He said with a smile. I looked up at him and was about to speak but I was interrupted,"I don't like it, Emperor. Too many things could go wrong." It was Klotho. He stood up his face concealed in the shadows all, I could see was black robes and green hands. The Emperor looked furious,"Silence, Klotho," He declared,"He is the only one that foolishly stupid mare, whom dreams of foolishly foolish dreams, and dare calls herself a "princess" trusts!" I just stood there watching mesmerized by the Emperor's anger. "Peace, Emperor, please." Said the motherly voice. "Forgive me, Diamond Desire." The Emperor replied. Klotho stepped forwards into the light, I got a better look at his face. He was tall, his body was an unnatural shade of green. His eyes were the deepest shade of red, his body was cloaked in black satin robes, with Crimson silk lining, and brines of golden cloth, he dawned two large green wings which apeared powerful enough to cause a hurricane. His face bore tentacles, hundreds of green disgusting tentacles. His appearance was menacing and it induced fear into me, his appearance alone was enough to drive any Equin or creature to the brink of their fear induced Insanity. He laughed a most awful, sickening, gurgled laugh of Insane pleasures,"What ever you say, Emperor." He said starting at me. "Sit down now!" Yelled, Diamond Desire as she stood revealing her own appearance. She was a Crystal Pony, with a light blue coat. Her white mane sparkled and shined, and her cutie mark was that of a purple gemstone. Klotho sat down as commanded. Diamond sat back down regaining her posture, with a smile. I began wondering if she was the Emperor's second in command. Before I could ask I heard a voice from behind me. "Are you gonna help us or not?" It asked. I nodded not knowing what to say. The Emperor smiled,"Excelent." He said as he stood, "Then it is settled." The other members laughed,"Emperor, the time for our plan soon approaches are you sure we can do this?" Asked the deep British voice,"Are you sure he can do this?" The Emperor nodded,"I have complete faith in Mr. Lulamoon." He said,"As you should, too, Clockwork." I bowed and asked with politeness,"May I take my leave?" The Emperor nodded. At that I took my leave. My father still stood outside the room and asked if I still had the page,"Yes, dad." I said with a nod. He pat me on the shoulder and sent me on my way. I teleported to Canterlot, to be more specific, outside the castle. I just stood there watching it. This is my moment. I needed to get ready for my chance to kidnap Luna. I thought to myself as I watched the castle. I got into position and waited for the absolutely perfect time. Let the game begin. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 7: The Castle. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 7: The Castle. The day of the excavation came and I was prepared. The six mares, arrived at the train station in Ponyville where I was waiting. I was surprised to see a baby dragon behind them,"Morning ladies." I said to them giving off a polite bow. They nodded. I smiled at the young dragon,How can such a small little dragon be so important to these six? I asked myself, in my head. The dragon looked at me, with a smile. "Hey, man. You must be Orphios." He said to me. I smiled and nodded,"So what is the sword for?" He asked me. I looked over to my side and saw my sword. It was just in case of protection, but it was also to take Luna's life if the time came. "Protection." I answered. They all nodded knowing it was a dangerous area we'd be going to, and with that we borded the train. The train departed without haste. I noticed how chatty the mares were. Rarity, looked at me and smiled. "So are you married, or dating anypony?" She asked. I shook my head, and turned away. She gasped,"How?! A handsome young colt such as you should have plenty of mares, chasing after you." She said, in a slightly over exaggerated voice. I laughed slightly. "I did have a crush on a mare once, but her family didn't except me. So we stayed friends." I said sadly,"Since then, I never really thought of it." She gasped even more. "I can't let that go! I must set you up with somepony!" She said to me. I laughed more, it had been awhile since I had a good laugh. We made a stop in Canterlot to get Luna, and then we were off once again. I smiled as Luna sat with Twilight. Rarity smiled once again at me,"I know so many mares who'd be willing to give you a chance." She continued. I just smiled. "That's generous of you, miss Rarity, but I only loved three mares my entire life." I said softly. The others looked at me as if to say: 'Tell us more.' I smiled, and nodded,"My mother, who passed away." I said looking out the window,"The mare I had a crush on." I sighed and looked at Twilight,"Finally, my sister. Twilight, she told me about you, said you met twice." Twilight, looked at me in shock,"I dont remember anypony mentioning you." She said in shock, I simply smiled. Twilight began thinking hard,"Wait, is your last name, Lulamoon?" She asked me. I nodded my head,"Your sister, is Trixie!" She said pointing her hoof at me. I smiled and nodded. Twilight looked upset,"Sheexiled me from my home, you know that right?" She asked me. I chuckled,"She told me. She then told me how sorry she was." I told her. Twilight, smiled at that. Unfortunately the others weren't pleased,"She's a fraud!" Yelled Rainbow Dash. Who looked angry at me. "She ruined my mane!" Yelled Rarity. Is that all she did? I said in my head. Fluttershy and Pinkie looked away. "She humiliated me!" Declared AppleJack. I slightly smiled,"Are you the mares who aggravated her?" I asked with a smile, knowing the answer. They looked down and remained quiet for a few minutes,"That's what I thought. My sister told me about you three as well," I said,"She was just performing, she was suppose to boast, that's what stage performers do." I told them. "She's still a fraud!" Said Rainbow Dash. I shook my head,"No she isn't." I said as we arrived at the location of the castle. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 8: Welcome to Hell //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 8: Welcome to Hell Once the train had come to a sudden hault the nine of us disembarked from the train. We walked on the trail that lead through the woods and we came upon the castle. It looked deserted. The camp where the archeological team was suppose to be was deserted as well. The tents and equipment were out but the team was missing. I looked at the girls, they looked terrified,"It's ok." I said to them in a reassuring tone,"I'll go first." I pulled out my sword from its scabbier and moved towards the camp. The girls followed. Once we entered the camp we noticed slight disturbances in the soil. Almost as if somepony or something was trying to cover up a fight or a murder,"Orphios where are they?" Luna asked me in a terrified voice. I looked up and shook my head not knowing the answer, she nuzzled into me as I draped a protective wing over her. She smiled at that and kissed my cheek, earning a crimson shade coming over my azure cheeks. Spike walked around and noticed something written on the wall,"Welcome to Hell?" He read out loud. I heard his comment and rushed over, indeed, there written on the wall were the words, Welcome to Hell I sighed and kneeled down to read the rest of the message,"What language is that?" Spike asked as he knelt beside me. I sighed again and rubbed my eyes,"Anchint Equestrian." I replied,"It reads, Abandon hope all ye whom enter here. " I smiled inside knowing it was part of the plan,"Guys we need to figure out what happened here." I said to the others. They nodded their heads in agreement,"Let's split up. We can cover more ground that way." I said. The group nodded in agreement,"Spike, Luna, Twilight, and myself will enter the castle and check the upper floors. Rarity, you and Flutterhsy will stay out here and search for more clues. Rainbow and Pinkie will check the lower floors. Agreed?" I asked. "Agreed." They said in unison. We then went our respected ways. Littles did any of them know that the seeds of doubt that would tear them apart were being planted. Three mysterious hooded figures watched us from the shadows,"Ooooh, I'm so nervous and yet excited!" Cheered the young filly sounding figure. She bounced up and down a little at the prospect of messing with the group. The two she was with, one to the right of her, the other left laughed a little,"Calm yourself Patches. Good things come to those who wait." Said the mare with the British accent from the Dominion's meeting, whom stood to Patches' right. Two more figures soon arrived. One with a hood, the other with out a hood,"The time has come." Said the hood less figure. I later found out, the hoodless figure was Klotho. The hooded figures nodded,"Yes, Klotho. The time-" said the figure to the left of Patches. His sentence was finished by the other figure whom had arrived with Klotho,"has come, to show them the true-" he said before getting finished by the other,"meaning of agony." He finished. Both were male and I later discovered they were twins. They spoke with soft sophisticated voices. Klotho laughed. "Good. Patches will follow Orphios' group with me. Midnight Dusk, you'll follow Rainbow and Pinkie, Thunder and Lighting will deal with these two." Klotho said as the others nodded,"let's begin. May the Dominion guide them to their future." Said Klotho. His statement was followed by,"May the Dominion guide them to their future." //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 4: Night To Remember: part 1 //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 4: Night To Remember: part 1 Luna and I arrived at the party and we walked in. As we entered I saw Silver Skull, he was talking to a few other ponies and one griffon. They were all involved in the plan, my co conspirators, if you will. I looked at Luna and smiled,"I'm gonna go take care of something, why don't you socialize?" I said to her. She smiled and give me a quick kiss on the cheek and trotted off happily. I quickly walked to the back office to take care of my business. My business came in the form of a grey stallion, with a black tuxedo, and a red tie. His black mane and tail blue in the dry wind that crept through the open window. I kneeled before him as I would my king or master, and spoke. "Greetings." I say to him. He turned and smiled his red eyes glowed in the candlelight as he walked towards me. He placed a gentle hoof on my shoulder and smiled,"Greetings, Orphios. Is everything going well?" He asked me stroking my mane. I nodded and smiled softly. His cutie mark was a black star, it was stained in a dark red color. I knew right away that it was blood. I stood up slowly as he spoke. "I don't expect failure from you, Orphios. Get it done, tonight!" He said in a stern voice. I smiled and replied, "I won't fail you, father." I said to him emotionlessly. He smiled and sent me on my way. I met up with Luna and she brought me to a table to meet some ponies. This was where I met the six ponies who were garnished with the Elements. "Girls, this Orphios." She said to the six mares. "Orphios, this is Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Rarity." She said as the girls gave waves and curtsies. I bowed in respect and kissed their hooves. "A pleasure, ladies." I said politely. Rarity blushed so hard, i thought she'd die of a heart attack. I smiled and stood back up. "Fillies and Gentlecolts, I'm pleased to present to you our illustrious host, Desperado, CEO of Desperado Enterprises." Announced a Unicorn mare. I applauded with the crowd as the red coated unicorn stallion came out with my father. "Thank you, my fellow Equestrians. This is such a momentous occasion. This night will prove to be the most glorious of nights. Let justice roll like waters." He said smiling. The rest of the conspirators spoke with me. "And righteousness the everlasting stream." We replied. The rest of the guests were confused. They soon forgot about it and got back to the party. Luna and I saw Celestia and Discord walking towards us and they both gave Luna a hug. Celestia glared at me, which was unique of her. Discord just smile and gave me a hug,"it's good to see you again." He said to me. He and I were friends long ago. "You too buddy. I'd love to catch up with you and Tia, bu-" before I could finish Celestia interrupted me. "Only, my friends and family can call me that you are neither." She said to me. I felt bad and decided to step outside. Luna wasn't to happy with her sister. "What is your problem?" Luna asked. Celestia scoffed and took a sip of her drink. "That stallion is my problem. I don't trust him." Celestia said. Discord looked at Celestia in shock. "He was your friend once. What changed?" He asked. Celestia gave him a solemn look. Before Celestia spoke Luna interrupted. "Why can't you let me be happy with the one I love?" Luna asked in tears before running out to me. I stood outside frustrated with myself. Luna came out and joined me. "Mind if I join you?" She asked wiping away her tears. I nodded as she walked to me. She placed a hoof on my own and her head rested on my shoulder. I don't know what came over me, but I let her, I let my target love me. i can't do this. I thought to myself. "Luna, I-" I never finished at that moment, Luna leaned in and kissed my lips. Her lips were soft and trembling. I was hesitant at first, but I returned the kiss closing my eyes. My heart w as beating at what felt like ninety miles per second. I couldn't believe I was kissing Luna. The mare I was sent to kidnap, or kill. The mare whom I believed ruined my life. what am I doing? I thought to myself, as Luna let a moan escape her lips. I broke the kiss as tears rolled down my eyes. "I love you, Orphios." She said to me softly in a whisper. I again couldn't believe it, but I kissed her in response not knowing what to do. what am I doing? I'm gonna get us both killed! I thought to myself. I couldn't stand the emotional turmoil inside me. I now knew what I was feeling. It was something, I thought I would never feel since Luna ruined my life. It was love. Meanwhile, my father was meeting with Desperado, and a reporter. "Look, I know what your hiding. I won't let any of you get away with this." The reporter said defiantly. My father smiled at that. Two guards then grabbed the reporter. My father smiled again as the captain of the Crystal Guard came in, his name was Flash Sentry. Flash smiled and shut the door,"so your the one causing problems?" He asked to which my father nodded. Flash pulled a knife out and slit the reporters throat. "We need to hurry, before anypony finds out, quick get the page." Author's Note Sorry it took so long, my friends. I hope you like it.