Chapters Darkness was all that she could see. Darkness filled all her senses and she could feel it crawling along her skin and through her coat. The heavy darkness was pierced by muttered voices that she couldn’t tell who’s they were.
“It’s over Queenie you’re done”
“NEVER!!”
The sounds of magic being summoned and used flooded her ears but she still couldn’t see anything but the darkness.
“You’ll suffer for this”
A click was heard followed by screaming
“no second chances I’m that sort of man”.
As a slimmer of light began to piece the darkness that swarmed her a deafening explosion occurred mirrored by an ear piercing scream and then an overwhelming heat.
Twilight opened her eyes to see Celestia’s throne room covered in a raging inferno. Twilight rolled onto her bruised stomach and could see her Element a short crawl away from her. Twilight began crawling towards the element as more voices began shooting through the air.
“You won’t get away with this”
“oh Tia I already have”
A loud laughing ran out as Twilight struggled across the floor.
“Discord stop him”
“Not today Chaos man hehehaha”. As Twilight crawled she noticed Discord fly over head with a contorted face filled with pain. Twilight was closer to the element when she heard her friend’s voice join the fray.
“Applejack be careful, no watch out” a burst of magic was heard “APPLEJACK NO!!” As Twilight reached the element the sound of battle and magic began to fade. Twilight turned to see a black figure walking through the fire towards her. Twilight reached out for the element but just as her hoof brushed the crowns edges a foot stomped down on Twilight’s leg trapping it.
“You’ve cast your last magic trick Twily” Twilight felt the tears prick the sides of her eyes as the figure kicked her onto her back. Twilight looked up as the figure looming above her. The figure kneeled down till his face became clear from the smoke and light.
“Where’s your ‘god’ Twily”. The man began laughing again as the darkness took over Twilight for the second time that day.
Severn Months earlier in London:
In the east end of London, down one of the graffiti covered ally by a rundown old bar a twenty year old man in a suit is thrown out of the bar and lands in a puddle. The man stood up and brushed himself off and ran his fingers through his hair. The man walked deeper into the ally grumbling about what had just happened to him. He reached the end of the ally and sat on a piece of cardboard and began to drift to sleep.
“Marcus”. Marcus opened his eyes and looked around but saw nobody was there. Marcus lied back down “Marcus”. He shot up and looked around but could still see no one. As he went to sit back down his eyes landed on a piece of metal sticking out of the rubbish. Marcus picked up the piece of metal to reveal it was a crown. It was a black metal crown that looked more like a tiara with a semi-circle that rose up into a curved point. On the raised part was a circle, crimson gem with two smaller ones to its side of the same colour.
“Marcus” boomed the crown. Marcus dropped the crown in fear and surprise. Marcus stared at the crown waiting for something else to happen. “That was rude Marcus you shouldn’t drop people like that” the crown said in Marcus’s head.
“Do you count you’re not actual alive” countered Marcus
“that depends on what you believe can be counted as alive. In my case I am alive, a spirit trapped in this crown looking for someone to wield me”. Marcus picked the crown up again and looked around once more to make sure he wasn’t being tricked or something.
“Can you explain then why I’m talking to a piece of metal and gems because this isn’t normal” asked Marcus only to be met with laughter.
“And what’s the fun in making sense, very well. My name is Darquesse, thousands of years ago a land called Equestria was formed and something called the Elements of Harmony came into creation. My creator, a unicorn with a black heart…”
“Wait Unicorn”
“don’t interrupt; anyway he created this crown which created me. I’m the polar opposite of those cursed elements; I’m the Element of Darkness and Evil. Whoever wears me will be infused with all my power till the crown is removed. So what do you say wanna have the power of a god?” Marcus listened to what Darquesse had said but had only had one question.
“What’s Equestria and how does it have Unicorns” asked Marcus. Darquesse didn’t answer as quickly wanted it to but then black mist started swarming out the gems which then covered Marcus. Marcus opened his eyes and looked to see he was in a green field surrounded by ponies, unicorns and pegasus.
“The land of Equestria is home to ponies with a bunch of different abilities. I want this land as my own and with your assistance I’ll take it”
“from who”. The scene changed from the field to a throne room with a white alicorn with a flowing mane of different colours.
“Princess Celestia, the ruler of Equestria and the bringer of the sun. Pompous sour heart sits on the throne that belongs to me but if you accept she’ll be no problem”
“but what of those Elements of Harmony”. The scene changed again to a field with Marcus surrounded by six ponies, specifically two ponies, two unicorns and two pegasus.
“I have plans for these six when we arrive in Equestria so don’t worry about their interference”. The land changed back to the ally setting. “So what do you say?” Marcus thought for a second before looking back at the crown.
“No”
“no?”
“no I don’t want to have your power if I could lose it if I wield this sort of power I don’t want to return to this life or die and lose this power I want it forever, through all of time and if it’s not permanent then I want nothing to do with it”. Darquesse didn’t say anything for a while so Marcus went to place it down when it began to glow.
“We could do a meld but I warn you, you will never be able to return to being Marcus you will become me, you will retain your memories and knowledge with your personality but it will be my name you use and my memories and knowledge too. Do you accept?” Marcus wasted no time and nodded in acceptance.
“So what do I have to do” Marcus asked with a large smile know on his face and greed present in his eyes.
“Simply put the crown on your head and embrace a new form of existence” said Darquesse making Marcus look surprised.
“That’s it” he questioned to hear a sigh in his head
“why is everyone always surprised with this, what do you want me to say ‘go out and kill 13 virgins and drink their blood’”.
“No”
“then just put the crown on your head”.
Marcus swallowed and raised the crown above his head and then placed it on his head. Marcus waited but nothing happened and began to think he was going insane when suddenly he felt hot all over. Marcus screamed in pain as fire shot through his body. His finger nails turned pointed as did his teeth; his tongue became forked and thinner. His hair began to grow from a military cut to just short of shoulders. His eyes turned from their light green to a dark red with purple pupils and vertical slits for pupils instead or round pupils.
Darquesse stood and laughed as he flexed his new muscles and breathed air in for the first time in over two thousand years. He looked at his suit and saw it was ripped and tattered from the transformation.
“Well that was fun and know I think it’s time to head to Equestria and take what was rightfully mine when I was created” he said with a rougher voice. Darquesse shot his hand forward and the shadows flung into the air and formed into a column of darkness.
As Darquesse walked towards the portal he stopped and looked to see two other tramps that had seen the whole thing and were stunned by it. Darquesse looked at the two for a few seconds and then smiled.
“Go ahead tell people no one will believe you haha”. Darquesse smiled and walked into the darkness leaving London behind him and towards his new stomping ground.
In the Everfree Forest Zecora was collecting a number of different coloured herbs and flowers for her latest potion. As she collected a large gust of wind knocked her down due to its strength. Zecora stood quickly and could see that the amount of shadows in the area had increased and seemed to be staring at her. She collected the last few flowers and headed back to her cottage with a quicker step then she had before. She entered her home and began to stir her flowers and herb but was interrupted by laughter.
“Who is in my home on this night” she asked looking out into the moving shadows.
“Don’t worry my Zebra friend it’s just you’re friendly Darquesse”. When Zecora heard the name she ran for the door but it disappeared and more laughter could be heard. Zecora went to speak but her mouth popped of her face and went sailing into the pot and disappeared.
“Ah ah ah I don’t want you screaming for help besides I need something that you own and I have a terrible thirst too”. Zecora began looking over her house as Darquesse continued to laugh. “And what I really want”. Zecora moved towards a wall but didn’t see Darquesse hanging from the ceiling behind her “IS YOU!!!!” he screamed as darkness swarmed her.
“HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA”.
It was a sunny day in Equestria the birds were singing and the sun was shining brightly in the sky. In the Everfree forest the creatures of all shapes and sizes were more excited than ever before due to the large source of darkness that currently resided inside of Zecora’s cottage. The door swung open and a mass of black smoke flew out and joined together to form Darquesse, still in his tattered suit. Darquesse opened his jacket to reveal a number of vials in his inner pocket and in his hand was a small black cube which he placed with the vials. Darquesse looked back into Zecora’s hut and placed his hand shaped like a telephone and mouthed ‘call me’. Darquesse walked a few steps when he clicked and the whole cottage went up in flames. Darquesse looked back at the roaring fire and then at his fingers with a scared look which turned gleeful. Darquesse took two more steps and then saw a piece of glass by his feet and saw his reflection in it. Darquesse cringed at his clothing.
“Now how can I take over all of Equestria and rule it with an iron fist if I look like I’ve just lost a fight with the hulk, I need new clothes”. He reached into a pocket and pulled out the lining and was followed by a moth. “Darn can’t make the scene if I don’t have the threads and can’t get the threads without the green. I better make a quick stop”. Darquesse smiled and stepped towards the camera.
“Any ideas” as he asked a hand reached through and handed him a piece of paper. Darquesse looked at the paper and then smiled at the camera and then zoomed through the forest in a blur of red and black towards Ponyville.
Meanwhile Twilight had just exited her house with Spike who was holding a picnic basket. The two walked towards the field where the others were waiting for her. They arrived and saw that the others were already there.
“Hey girls” greeted Twilight receiving similar greeting from her friends. As they sat and ate one topic kept bugging Twilight till she finally got round to asking about it. “Hey last night did anything weird happen at all to your pets, it’s just that Owlowiscious was acting weird last night”. Twilight could tell she had been correct to mention this because all of the girls looked like they knew what she meant.
“Well darling Opa did act weird last night, she began hissing while looking towards the Everfree forest” explained Rarity
“same with Winona she was barking in the night in the direction of the Everfree forest”
“all my animals stared acting weird to and looking towards the Everfree forest too”. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie also nodded their heads in agreement.
“I wonder what happened that set them all off” wondered Twilight. The rest of the picnic went off without a hitch and the girls went their separate ways for the while. Applejack ran back to the farm with Winona trying to keep up with the speedy pony. Applejack arrived at the farm to see Apple Bloom heading off towards her clubhouse. Applejack looked for Big Macintosh as he usually needed help bucking trees around this time. Just then she heard a bang from her basement. She headed for the entrance to see Big Macintosh and Granny Smith already there.
“What’s goin’ on” she asked to which Big Macintosh just shrugged but Granny Smith looked at her with a knowing look.
“Someone’s in the cellar, that’s where we keep our profits”. Applejack quickly deduced they were being robbed and ran to the door. As she reached it a black and red tornado shot out the door and span in front of them for a few seconds till it stopped revealing Darquesse holding a large sack of bits. A few pieces of bits fell in front of him but he caught them as they fell.
“Sorry mares, waste not want not”. Darquesse began spinning at a pace fast enough to create another mini tornado as he span and then span off into the distant leaving three very confused and annoyed ponies.
Darquesse finally stopped spinning when he arrived outside Rarity’s shop. He looked around and saw the place was crawling with ponies so he knew he’d be seen in his real form. Just then black smoke covered his body and covered him and when it dispersed in Darquesse’s place was an alicorn with a black coat and a black mane with a red circle with a plus sign that didn’t connect in the center as his cutie mark and the crown now resting against his horn. After transforming Darquesse stretched his new wings and trotted into Rarity’s shop.
Darquesse entered and looked around but couldn’t see anyone in sight. Darquesse began to observe some of Rarity’s completed gowns and wondered why there were so many being created. Just then he heard somepony coming towards him so he turned to see Rarity finally appear.
“Hello there how can I help you” Rarity asked not seeing the crown on Darquesse’s head. Darquesse extended his wings and revealed the crown on his head making it click in Rarity’s head that she was in the company of ‘royalty’.
“Good evening dear Rarity I require your services for a piece of clothing that isn’t anything you’ve created before” Darquesse said with his best posh voice, oh how wrong it sounded. Rarity quickly nodded.
“Of course I could even if it is a little weird I’m certain I can complete it for you”
“excellent but here’s the small print I need it completed within the hour”. When Rarity heard that here pupils dilated and she began to swoon before fainting but Darquesse caught her with his magic. Rarity quickly realised what she’d done and quickly stood up.
“Of course that’ll be no problem and I apologise it’s just that I have other dresses to make for the Grand Galloping Gala”
“Grand Galloping Gala?” Rarity was surprised by Darquesse’s lack of knowledge of the Grand Galloping Gala but let it pass, she didn’t want to upset royalty.
“Yes it’s a large event in Canterlot; I’ll be going with my friends and I’m making dresses for my friends” explained Rarity.
“You’re going? You must be something special dear” said Darquesse as he placed a hoof on Rarity’s cheek making her blush. “Well I’ll let you get started” he pulled out a piece of paper with his magic “here’s the measurements and colours and this bag contains the material for the shoes and gloves also” he blasted the floor with magic and where he hit it a mannequin appeared shaped like a human. “You can use this as a guide and don’t worry” he made the stolen bag of bits appear “you’ll be rewarded okay then bye bye”. Darquesse disappeared in a puff of smoke leaving Rarity to get to work.
The hour quickly past for Darquesse as he searched and began to hate Ponyville, too bright for his personal tastes. He returned to Rarity’s shop to see the unicorn pulling out a covered mannequin. Darquesse could see Rarity had been working hard and was stressed by the fact her mane was in a complete state and she didn’t seem to care at that time.
“I take it my order is complete” he asked to get Rarity’s attention, which worked.
“Yes while I admit I was stumped by the design and features but your instructions were clear enough to help me finish in time”. Rarity used her magic to remove the cover to reveal the clothes.
The clothes were all in black with crimson, dark green and purple colourings around the whole outfit. The outfit consisted of a long black heavy duty coat that reached the floor. The coat had a dark purple silk lining across the whole innards of the coat. The coat’s collar went around the neck and continued towards the waist with a crimson trimming on the collar. On the arms was the same symbol as his cutie mark on the shoulders. The cuffs of the coat were dark green with lines of colour heading two inches up the arm. The shirt was a plain shirt with buttons all along the front. The trousers were also black and the shoes were made of leather and were simple slip on shoes. The outfit also came with a pair of black leather gloves.
Darquesse couldn’t help but smile at the outfit and could already see himself conquering Equestria in it. Before Rarity could say anything Darquesse placed his hoof on the outfit and began spinning in a tornado fashion and then left the shop and headed for the woods leaving a stunned Rarity to continue with her dresses for the Gala.
Darquesse stopped spinning to reveal himself back in human for and in his new outfit. Everything was in place now he had a way to strike at Celestia directly and take Equestria. All he needed was a way to get there secretly without alerting anyone to his presence. He already had a plan but he needed someone weaker than normal and unnaturally kind to people. Just then he heard a very meek voice. Darquesse looked around the hedge he’d stopped by to see a pony with a yellow coat and a pink mane. She was leading a group of ducks across the road. Darquesse smiled as his joy brought forth rain clouds as he couldn’t help but feel as though things were meant to go his way.
As Fluttershy reached the other side of the road Darquesse blasted the ground next to her back hooves creating an old oil lamp and then shrank down and entered it. Fluttershy saw the ducks head away as she waved to them. She took a step back to trip over something. Fluttershy regained her bearings and looked to see an old, rusty oil lamp I the ground.
“Oh my I wonder who’s this is” she took a closer look but still saw nothing to indicate an owner. “I better try and return this”. As she finished her eyes flashed green as Darquesse influenced her. “Or I should clean it first then return it” she said as she carried it back to her cottage, with her new passenger smiling all the way.
At Fluttershy’s cottage Fluttershy was looking for something to clean the lamp with while Angel couldn’t help but nose. Angel lifted the lid of the lamp but quickly a hand shot out flicked Angel on the nose and then placed the lid back on. Angel hopped away from the lamp as Fluttershy returned. Fluttershy began to clean the lamp when it began to bounce on in the air. Then purple magic began to shoot out. Fluttershy screamed and jumped behind her couch along with Angel and a few other animals that were also in the room. As the magic continued to appear so did black smoke that then formed into Darquesse but instead of legs had a trail of smoke linking him to the lamp.
“Wow ten thousand years will give you such a crick in the neck” said Darquesse as he cracked his neck. Darquesse looked around but couldn’t see anyone. “Hello can the pony who rubbed my lamp please come forward. Pretty please with a cheery on top”. Darquesse looked and saw a pink tail pointing out from behind the couch. Darquesse flew over to see Fluttershy and her animals all shivering in fear.
“Hello sorry if my entrance scared you was it to melodramatic? I can never tell. Come on don’t be scared”. Darquesse lead Fluttershy out into the open along with the animals.
“Who are you?” Fluttershy asked with a voice that barely registered in Darquesse’s ears.
“Why I’m the genie of the lamp, I’m Darquesse and you are my mistress and I think you know what that means, right?” Fluttershy didn’t say anything so Darquesse decided to continue. “You have three wishes, anything you want is yours, so what will it be my mistress”. Fluttershy let everything that had been said sink in till she finally shook her head.
“I must have knocked my head and I’m really dreaming” she said while looking for an answer from Angel. Darquesse thought quickly and then smiled.
“Mistress I don’t think you quite realise what you’ve got here so why don’t you just relax while I illuminate the possibilities” stated Darquesse as a chair appeared behind Fluttershy which she then fell on with a slight squeal.
Darquesse clicked his fingers and his neck. Darquesse smiled as Fluttershy’s wished and hidden desires all swarmed into his head. His hands became engulfed in magic and he began moving them through the air and with every flick of his wrist a new desire appeared in the magic. Fluttershy looked as she saw her animals living in comfort in houses that rivalled her cottage. Another vision was of her and her friends with their most wanted wishes fulfilled. And another vision was of her and Rainbow Dash sitting on a hill watching the sun go down holding each other’s hoof. Fluttershy blushed at that one. The apparitions began to fade and were replaced by Darquesse floating in the air.
“So what’ll it be Mistress?” Darquesse asked will a smirk on his face. Fluttershy couldn’t move she was so shocked by everything, when it finally set in all she could feel was excitement.
“Any wish?” she asked with excitement visible in her voice, which pleased Darquesse.
“Anything but killing ponies, that’s a big no, but I don’t think a pony like you, someone so kind and considerate would ever consider that now”. Fluttershy’s head filled with things she could wish for, better living conditions for her animals and other things both for her and her friends. Just then a realisation clicked with her, she hadn’t bought what she’d gone to collect in town.
“I’ll have to think about it while I collect some things from Ponyville so if you don’t mind” Fluttershy asked but Darquesse simply smiled in response. As Fluttershy left he laughed and his eyes began releasing black plasma.
“Soon that pony will help me find somepony who can get me into Canterlot and then Celestia will fall and all of Equestria will be mine”. He continued laughing as Angel listened on in Horror.
Kidnapping a Princess and the Gala
It was the day after Darquesse had entered Fluttershy’s life and Darquesse plan to enter the Grand Galloping Gala was at its final phase; use Fluttershy to locate someone who’s going to the Gala so he’d could sneak in with them. Darquesse exited the lamp and could tell that Fluttershy was asleep. Darquesse walked through the house while yawning. Just then he felt his foot connect with something. He looked down to see Angel looking up at him.
“What do you want Fluffy” Darquesse said as the rabbit continued to stare at him. Darquesse blinked and then fired two red eye lasers at him making him jump away.
“Hate rabbits”. Darquesse sat on the couch with a pondering expression. His plan was coming together all he had to do was find somepony who was going to the Grand Galloping Gala and following them as their guest. He couldn’t well storm the castle dark spells flying off and destruction being left in his wake. Celestia would stop him before he could crack off one joker or cleaver quip. The only pony who seemed to be going was Rarity but he didn’t think he could be subtle with her. He needed to find somepony and quickly, the Gala was tonight. Something else was bugging him though; he didn’t want to just appear he wanted Celestia to sweat a little about his appearance.
Darquesse walked over to a window and looked out to the forest. As he thought he saw Applebloom appear followed closer by Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. Just then an idea popped into his head that quickly became do able and Darquesse smiled and disappeared into a cloud of smoke.
The CMC were running through the woods towards Zecora’s hut to learn about potions. As they ran black smoke began forming around them and then began forming in front of them. Just then the smoke exploded making Darquesse appear in front of the cowering filly’s. Darquesse waved the smoke away to see the girls shaking in terror.
“My apologises girls was it to melodramatic I can never tell haha”. Darquesse summoned a long black staff with a block orb on the top with black metal lines on it. He pointed at the girls, offering it to help them up. “Now I take it your in these woods for a reason”. He glided over to Scootaloo and pointed at her blank flank “and it’s got something to do with that I take it”.
“Yep were headin’ for Zecora’s to learn potions” said Applebloom
“to try and earn out cutie marks” added Sweetie Belle. Darquesse smiled as he pretended to remember an old memory.
“I remember looking for my cutie mark when I was a colt just a little younger then yourselves” Darquesse lied as he show the symbol on his shoulder. The girls all looked at it. “It was funny but ponies kept saying I’d discover it naturally but nothing I did would reveal it so I thought of more… unorthodox methods of searching for my mark”. The girls seemed hooked by this.
“Like what” asked Applebloom making Darquesse smile.
“If your elders have every said something that would be punished like stealing, kidnap, murder I have a specific talent for”. This made the girls worried as they began sweating. “And I think you three may be in the same situation as me, you’re talent may be criminal behaviour”.
“Really?” asked Scootaloo.
“Well you’ve tried everything else from match making to skydiving and you’re getting nowhere then isn’t it worth it to just stop being called ‘blank flanks’. The girls began to consider it and that’s all Darquesse needed. His eyes turned purple as smoke entered the girls ears and began to alter them. Dark black lines appeared around their eyes and they smiled that matched Darquesse.
“We’ll do it” said all three at once making Darquesse smile even wider. Darquesse kneeled down and began whispering into the girls ears his plan to ‘help’ the girls. He stood and walked away as they nodded in agreement and then began running for Ponyville. Sweetie Belle stopped though and looked at Darquesse.
“How did you know about us?” she asked making Darquesse chuckle
“I can read minds” he said with a slightly childish voice making Sweetie Belle laugh “I’m not joking you’re thinking about dinner tonight and… somepony of your age shouldn’t know about that”. Sweetie Belle looked shocked and ran to catch up with the others. Darquesse stood there leaning on his staff for a few seconds before a sly smile broke out and then he broke out into a full blown dance. Just then he felt a tingle in his spine and disappeared in more smoke.
Darquesse exited the lamp and stood in front of Fluttershy “yes my mistress”.
“I was wondering if I could have a new dress for the Gala” asked Fluttershy, obviously uncomfortable with asking for it. Darquesse’s ears perked up at this and he smiled with uncontrollable glee.
“You’re going to the Gala tonight” he asked
“Yes I went before and Twilight invited us to this years, Rarity said she’d make me a new dress but due to an order from someone of royalty” Darquesse gulped and looked away from that statement “I thought I’d use one of my wishes to have one”. Darquesse cracked his neck and zapped Fluttershy with a magical spell.
In a puff of light a light green dress that had dark green nature based patterns across it and then going down her front legs towards her light green shoes. Also with a pink clip for her mane and a small tiara. Fluttershy looked over the dress and smiled at it with joy, which Darquesse took as his cue.
“Fluttershy I was wondering, with this Gala, could I come I love social gatherings and it would be a good moment to introduce me to your friends”. Fluttershy thought for a second but looked a little concerned, Darquesse didn’t have a ticket.
“I know what you’re gonna say, haven’t got a ticket but I could easily hide in the lamp, it’s not going against the rules I ain’t even fully alive, please I’ve been cooped up in that lamp for ten thousand years and an event like this comes around once a year, pretty please” Darquesse pleaded and lied in a hope to win over Fluttershy. After a few seconds Fluttershy nodded and Darquesse hugged her in response.
Fluttershy smiled and went to take her dress off as to not ruin it. As she left Darquesse smiled even more as everything he wanted was going smoothly with little input from himself.
MEANWHILE:
In Canterlot the CMC had just left the train with a large burlap sack with them. They arrived at the castle and sneaked past the guards at the front door. They then snuck through the whole castle and finally arrived at their destination; Celestia’s room. They knocked on the door and waited.
Celestia was reading one of her many reports from a ruler of another land. Celestia sighed and placed the notes down and summoned her favourite book. It was about old legends and roots of the oldest religions. As she read about the religious group Two she heard a knock originating from her door. Celestia stood and walked to the door and opened it to see three fillies holding a large sack.
“Trick or Treat” they yelled before they jumped forward with the sack in tow to ensnare Celestia.
At the same time Twilight was reading her new book from Celestia. It was all about the first settlement of Equestria, much darker then the play she was in two years ago. Spike came walking downstairs and walked right past Twilight heading for his private store of gems. He knew that Twilight was a nightmare to talk to when she was engrossed in her reading. As he passed her again he burped and a letter appeared in a swarm of fire. Twilight noticed and caught it with her magic and unfolded it.
“Dear Twilight please come to Canterlot as quickly as possible and please being Applejack, Rarity and Rainbow Dash and please nopony else thank you. This sounds serious Spike go get Apple Dash and Rarity and meet me at the train station and be quick”.
Ten minutes later Twilight was waiting at the train station for Spike and the others with Rainbow Dash, who was getting bored.
“Where are they and why did Princess Celestia want us” Rainbow Dash asked for the fifth time in as many minutes. Twilight ignored her as she continued to think of why Celestia wanted them. Finally Spike arrived with the others and without a word spoken Twilight moved everypony but Spike onto the train and they were off. Applejack was the first to speak.
“Twilight care to tell us what’s goin on” she asked which everypony seemed to nod with response.
“All I know is Princess Celestia wanted us in Canterlot as quickly as possible”. The rest of the journey flew by quickly and when they arrived they quickly headed for the castle. They all arrived and headed for the throne room. As they got closer they knew something was going on by the amount of guards that were around.
“Greeting’s Twilight Sparkle”. Twilight turned and saw Luna standing in front of the door of the throne room.
“Hi Princess”
“Twilight how many times must I ask you to call me Luna” Twilight looked embarrassed and blushing slightly.
“Sorry, do you know why Princess Celestia wanted us”
“it’ll be easier to just go in”. The four walked past Luna and into the room to see Celestia sitting on her throng with Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo looking upset and obvious signs that they’d been crying.
“Thank you for coming I’ll get straight to the point. The girls here tried to kidnap me”. This shocked the girls but very quickly turn to anger at this.
“What in tarnation do you think you were doing Applebloom”.
“This totally isn’t cool Scootaloo”.
“I thought you’d be smart enough not to do something like this Sweetie Belle”.
“Actually it’s not their fault”. Everypony stopped at this and looked at Celestia for an answer.
“The girls were under the influence of a powerful dark magic that could rival Discord. After I managed to subdue them they turned very violent and when I freed them from it they turned quiet and haven’t said a word that’s why I asked you her Twilight and why I asked you to bring your friends, I was hoping they could get the girls to tell us who hexed them”.
The girls looked back at their sisters and admires with softer expressers.
“Listen Sugercube I’m sorry I yelled you’re not in trouble but if you know who did this so they don’t do what they did to you to another filly or colt” asked Applejack.
“She’s right darling someone has to answer for this”. The CMC looked at each other before muttering something at a volume that made Fluttershy sound loud.
“Pardon you need to speak up please” Twilight asked.
“Darquesse” they said all together. The moment Celestia heard the name she quickly jumped up and walked up to the girls with a fearful look.
“Please say this is a joke and you just read that name somewhere please” she pleaded making everyone look worried. Twilight went up to Celestia but Celestia quickly walked past her and headed to the door and opened it revealing a guard standing there. “Alert all the Canterlot guards and get them patrolling the perimeter”.
“Princess what’s going on” asked Twilight as Luna entered through the same door.
“Twilight describe a religion of Equestria” Twilight was stunned at the random order but quickly thought of a religion.
“The Order of Two say that originally there were two Alicorns, one of light and another of dark. They both created a new land filled with creatures based on themselves. The one of light raised the sun and moon and made sure the food grew while the one of dark looked after the souls of the dead and controlled the weather. After a while the one of dark got bored with everything being the same so he tried to change everything but was stopped by the other. After fighting the one of dark was beaten and banished. Now all ponies come from the Alicorn of light while anyone who was corrupted by greed was created by the Alicorn of darkness”.
“Good now another” again this made Twilight confused but went with it.
“Disciples of light say that the first pony, an Alicorn, split themselves into two separate beings one was still an Alicorn while the other was only a Unicorn. The Unicorn became jealous and created an army of darkness, the original ancestors of the Changelings, and went to war with the Alicorn but was defeated. The conflicts made the Alicorn try to create a land where she could teach them to live in harmony and to not be jealous at what others had but some of the Unicorn’s followers survived and went on to create their own community and would continue to fight the ponies created by the Alicorn for all eternity”.
“And one more”
“There was once two kingdoms that lived in harmony with each other and began to create a new land for them to watch and protect. The land was created and the ponies were given certain things to live by. One ruler didn’t like this so he began making the ponies do horrible things to each other. So the other ruler locked the evil ruler in his own kingdom and all the ponies corrupted by him were sent to him to be punished in his kingdom while all ponies who lived in peace where welcomed to the kingdom of the good ruler and that’s how life has been since then. They also say that when the evil ruler redeems himself and leaves his kingdom to live with the good ruler then all the evil in the world will be extinguished and true harmony will arrive and everypony will be happy”.
“Very good Twilight. Now as you can tell in each one there was a definite source of darkness whether a jealous Unicorn or twisted ruler. All of these creatures that haunt our nightmares and are used to scare Colts and Fillies are all based on Darquesse”. This made the girls become instantly fearful and worried.
“Princess what are we going to do” Twilight asked.
“Only one thing we can do, to avoid a panic of everypony everything will continue as normal including the Grand Galloping Gala” Celestia said explaining her plan.
“Pardon me your majesty but I don’t think that’s such a good idea I mean if this Darquesse is what most religions base their devil off shouldn’t we tell people” Rarity asked to which the others agreed.
“While Darquesse is all powerful he has one weakness, he doesn’t own a physical body. His soul was bound to a crown that when somepony placed it on their head Darquesse will take them over but if it’s removed Darquesse will leave and be defeated. It’s this weakness that helped me beat him before”.
“You meet him before” asked Rainbow Dash to which Celestia nodded.
“It was just under a thousand years ago, I was still grieving and getting used to taking up Luna’s responsibilities” Twilight saw Luna look down in shame.
“A Pegasus arrived calling himself Darquesse and even wielding dark magic but before he could do any major damage I managed to remove the crown ending his threat. The Pegasus didn’t know of anything and I removed the crown from this dimension with very powerful magic, the fact the crown has even returned even worries me but if somepony has been possessed and if he does appear he will be easily stopped. Hence the reason to not cause panic”.
Twilight and the others understood and remembered there companions so they made their excuse and left to take care of the Cutie Mark Crusaders leaving Celestia and Luna alone.
“Sister do you think we could easily defeat Darquesse, he is the devil after all” Luna asked.
“He may be powerful but he has a weakness we can easily turn on him. My only worry is the time till he appears while he won’t take too long to reveal himself I fear and feel sorry for whoever he runs into”.
At this time Darquesse was releasing magic spells that were making the furniture dance and the animals to fly in spectacular patterns and even balls of light to draw pictures in the air. Fluttershy stood in awe at what Darquesse was doing for her out of the kindness of his heart. When it was over Fluttershy applauded and Darquesse bowed.
“Thank you my dear” he looked at his wrist “oh my look at the time it’s only two hours till the Gala you better start getting ready”. Fluttershy smiled and nodded and walked away and Darquesse looked at the audience.
“What you ain’t seeing that it’s a T rating see ya in two hours” Darquesse grabbed the edge of the screen and pulled another scene on top.
It was two hours later and the girls were just arriving in a similar fashion to the last time they were there. The girls began walking towards the main entrance with Spike coming with them. Fluttershy walked with them and looked into a secret pocket in her dress to see Darquesse’s lamp. They entered and saw Princess Celestia greeting people as they entered the room. They walked up and were welcomed and they entered but Twilight stayed back.
“Hey Princess anything on what we talked about earlier”
“No I… hello… don’t think he’s… hello… going to make a… hello… make an appearance” Celestia replied.
Inside Fluttershy had headed to a remote corner to let Darquesse out. She pulled out the lamp but Darquesse exited without her rubbing it. Darquesse appeared with his hand to his head as he acted like he could barely stand.
“Damn can you feel that so many thoughts of darkness, murder, treachery, adultery. It’s a banquet of darkness that I’ve never had before”. Fluttershy was a little confused at this Darquesse was acting strange.
“You can tell what people are thinking” she asked making Darquesse look at her.
“Yep any thought that they have in their little pony heads”. Darquesse went to walk away but was quickly stopped by Fluttershy.
“Well you’ve seen everything and even read some mind so um could you please return to your lamp” Fluttershy asked. Darquesse smiled and turned and grabbed the lamp and crushed it and dropped the remains on the floor.
“The Cutie Mark Crusaders required mind control for them to help me but you’re so gullible I tricked you my mistress, Genie ha they don’t exist outside fiction you fool and now thanks to you I’ll take Celestia’s whole kingdom and destroy everything because of your stupidity”. Darquesse saw Fluttershy was beginning to cry so he zapped her and her dress disappeared. Darquesse chuckled and evaporated into smoke as Fluttershy began crying.
Twilight moved out the main crowd and began scanning the crowd. See could see Rainbow Dash and Applejack on the dance floor and every so often see Pinkie Pie zooming from place to place. She’d lost Rarity into a crowd of Fancy Pants friends. Twilight began looking for one specific pony but couldn’t see her anywhere. She wasn’t with Celestia greeting people so Twilight couldn’t help but wonder where she was. Just then she heard crying behind her. She went to the source of the crying to see Fluttershy curled in a ball crying her eyes out without her dress either.
“Fluttershy what’s wrong and where is your dress”. Fluttershy looked up with tear filled eyes and wiped them away.
“Oh Twilight I’ve made a terrible mistake”. Fluttershy then went and told Twilight all about the Genie and how it had convinced her to bring him here and know says it tricked her and had disappeared.
“Oh my I have to tell the Princess did the Genie have a name” Twilight asked earning a node from Fluttershy.
“Yes his name was Darquesse”. This made Twilight pale and began worrying as the room itself seemed to darken.
“We need to find Princess Celestia quickly”. Twilight and Fluttershy began running through the crowd in search for Celestia. They finally found her talking with Luna near the throne and away from the main crowd. Twilight quickly ran to her teacher and was instantly noticed by both Celestia and Luna.
“Greeting’s Twilight Sparkle how’s your night going” Luna asked and Twilight almost answered but quickly remembered why she was there.
“Celestia we’ve a problem Darquesse is…”
“Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha” laughter ripped through the air interrupting Twilight and spooking all the guests.
“Well look at this it’s been over a thousand years since I’ve seen so many of my creations in one place and what a place. The Grand Galloping Gala what a pathetic excuse for a party let’s liven this place up”. Two lightning bolts hit the floor and where they hit Darquesse stood leaning on his staff. Applejack instantly recognised him as the thief.
“Hey he’s the one who robbed Sweet Apple Acres”. Applejack ran forward but when she reached Darquesse he summoned a portal which Applejack ran into and then fell out the ceiling, plummeting towards the floor. As the crowd were shocked Rainbow Dash quickly shot forward and caught her friend and brought her down to safety.
Darquesse watched and then caught Applejack’s hat that came loose. He went to throw it away when he smiled and set the hat on fire. When the fire died down it was now black with slits around the whole hat and three holes in the front. Darquesse placed it on his head with his crowns gems placed in the holes of the hat. Darquesse walked forward and grabbed a mare’s scarf and pulled it spinning them around and then wrapped it loosely around his neck. The scarf turned black as the mare stopped spinning revealing her to have been turned into a Changeling.
Darquesse jumped over Celestia and Luna and landed on the throne of Celestia and cleared his voice.
“Mares and Gentlecolts my name is Darquesse and i’m back baby hahaha”. At the mention of his name many of the guests began running for the exits in fear but Darquesse clicked his fingers and all the doors locked and become unmovable. Darquesse teleported into the centre of the room and grabbed two ponies and began to morph them. Black magic washed over them and when it was finished they were both Changeling’s. Darquesse laughed as his minions turned more ponies and began attacking ones they didn’t turn.
“Darquesse!!” Darquesse turned in time to see the yellow beam of magic strike his hat and knock it off along with the crown. Darquesse looked and saw Celestia looking happy with what she had done.
“How dare you that is private property I didn’t come in knocking your crown off your head” he picked the hat and crown up and placed them back on his head. Celestia looked stunned, normally that would have beaten Darquesse there and then. “My dear little pony normally that would work but I’ve merged with this body it’s mine even if I lose the crown I’d still own this body. Now I think it’s time I taught you a lesson in manners”.
Darquesse eye’s glowed as he fired two beams of black energy. Celestia quickly recognised the attack and quickly flew above it.
“Don’t let those eye beams hit you they’ll freeze your heart”. Luna fired a blast of magic but Darquesse slid to the side and then zapped her horn which then created a bright light as Luna was thrown back. “LUNA”.
Twilight ran to Luna’s side and helped her up to see Luna’s horn was covered in a red aura. Luna stood and tried to use her magic but she was zapped by electric for it. Twilight helped Luna up and then her attention turned to Darquesse as her anger began to rise.
Darquesse jumped into the air and hovered as Celestia tried to hit him again but he easily dodged and swung his hand as a red circle of energy flew forward and hit Celestia knocking her to the floor. Celestia slowly stood as Darquesse few attacks had already taken their toll on her. Celestia fired an intense blast of magic. Darquesse smiled and extended his hand and fired a blast of intense black energy. The two beams connected and began forming a ball of energy. Celestia’s knees buckled from the intense weight of Darquesse’s magic. Darquesse could see the lock of magic wasn’t changing. Darquesse cracked his neck as another version of him split from Darquesse.
The clone walked towards Celestia with red and purple vapour forming around his hands. The clone took two steps before a pink blast magic hit the Clone’s back turning it to smoke. Darquesse turned and saw Twilight standing firm with three Unicorn Canterlot Guards. Darquesse smiled and turned his attention back to Celestia. Twilight and the three guards fired a blast of magic at Darquesse’s back. The blasts just before they hit Darquesse split into two separate blasts and went round Darquesse and melted away into the air. Darquesse walked forward to Celestia as he continued to use his magic. Darquesse reached Celestia and discontinued the attack and while Celestia was still weak he grabbed her crown and took it and placed it crookedly on his head. Darquesse walked up the throne stairs and sat in the throne despite more magic being fired at him but again simply going round him.
“Equestria is mine and I think I’ll enjoy having my own kingdom” another blast of magic hit him “all the love in this world will be turned to hate and fear” another magic blast hit him “Equestria will become the… do you mind!!” All the Unicorn’s stopped firing their magic. “I’m trying to conquer and destroy the pony race and you’re blasting away like there’s no tomorrow”.
Luna helped Celestia to her feet and Celestia looked at Darquesse with anger filled eyes.
“As long as I stand I’ll always protect my subjects from you”
“I’m more powerful than anypony” Darquesse lifted his hand up and pointed his hand at Celestia “even you”. With those final words lightning shot from his hands and zapped Celestia sending her back to the floor as Darquesse’s laughter filled the room and frightened the Ponies.
Luna ran towards Darquesse with anger in her eyes.
“Leave my sister alone and fight me instead” Darquesse ended his attack and looked at Luna. “You can’t use magic so I think I’ll pass for now”.
Twilight ran to Celestia’s side and got down to help her but Celestia refused the help.
“No you need to get the Elements of Harmony and use their power to defeat Darquesse”
“do you mean these Elements”. Everypony looked to see Darquesse with one of his legs hung over one of the thrones arms and the elements hanging off his arms and shoulders with Twilight’s crown on his head crookedly. Twilight looked shocked as Rainbow Dash turned to Applejack “we really need to secure those better”.
Darquesse summoned a portal of energy and threw them into of energy. Twilight tried to grab them with her magic and the element became encased in purple magic Darquesse clicked making them be encased in black energy and were sent into the portal.
“If you want them back you’ll have to earn them back going through my maze at the Elements place of birth and you’ll be against the clock if you can’t get them by midday tomorrow then the game is over and Equestria is mine”. Twilight looked at Celestia who nodded which made Twilight look at her friends who nodded too. They all ran at the door but remembered it was blocked by Darquesse’s magic.
“Some elements of harmony can’t even make it past a wooden door how path…” Darquesse was cut off as Twilight blasted the door open and the 7 of them ran out of the room towards the exit. Darquesse frowned and flew through a window and saw the girls and Spike running outside of Canterlot. Darquesse summoned the shadows to his hands and then threw them in front of the group. Where the shadows hit thorns began growing out the ground and began shooting at the group to try and entangle them. Twilight quickly blasted them away and the group kept running.
Darquesse looked at the audience with an annoyed expression on his face. Darquesse clicked and summoned some popcorn and then clicked again setting off his magic.
Twilight looked ahead she could see the train to Ponyville almost ready to leave. Twilight knew they’d get there on time she just hoped they made it in one piece. Just then the ground beneath her began to shake and crack and rise in some places. Twilight saw a piece rising ahead of her so she quickly teleported to the piece as it rose high into the air. Twilight jumped down using the platforms as stairs to the best of her abilities.
Rainbow Dash quickly took to the skies to avoid the rising ground. She looked and saw Twilight ahead of the others with the others only slightly behind her. She saw Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Spike reach another piece of ground before it rose but Applejack was blocked off and then encased in the rising ground. Darquesse could sense Applejack’s predicament so he sent a wave of energy towards the ponies. Rainbow Dash saw the wave of magic hit one of the rising towers which made it explode and cause massive rocks begin falling towards Applejack. Rainbow Dash shot forward and beat the rocks to Applejack and lifted her out safely.
“Thanks Sugercube” Applejack thanked as they flew towards Twilight as she stood near the train waiting for the others.
Rarity and Spike continued to run and jump across the un-risen ground or starting to rise while Pinkie had opted to go high and was jumping across the pillars with a large smile on her face. Pinkie Pie landed and saw Fluttershy shivering with fright.
“Come on Fluttershy we gotta go”
“I can’t I’m too scared”. Pinkie thought for a second and then had an idea. Pinkie grabbed Fluttershy and then quickly ran and jumped on to the next pillar of ground with Fluttershy screaming in fear as they sailed in the air. Pinkie landed and began laughing with excitement. Pinkie looked and saw Fluttershy had fainted. Pinkie quickly threw Fluttershy onto her back and continued jumping towards the others waiting on the train.
Twilight looked from the train as Rarity and Spike arrived and entered the train. Twilight could see Pinkie with Fluttershy on her back. She could also see that the ground that had risen had risen crookedly so they were beginning to smack into each other creating a domino effect making them all begin to fall.
“HURRY PINKIE” she yelled as Pinkie sped up. Just then the train began moving slowly from the station. Pinkie could see this as she began to worry and speed up even more. Pinkie reached the end of the risen ground and could see the train and knew she had to jump. Pinkie took a few steps back and drowned out the sound of destruction behind her. She ran forward and jumped into the air and began descending towards the train. Time seemed to slow as she reached out for the rail at the end of the train. As Pinkie closed in on the train her hoof missed the railing and they began heading into the hard ground. Before they hit they were covered in a purple glow. Pinkie looked to see Twilight in the back doorway with her horn glowing as she brought the two ponies towards and then into the train.
Darquesse watched the whole causing his jaw to drop to his feet and his eyes bulge out the sockets. Darquesse flew back into the room and quickly grabbed his lower jaw and closed it and then pushed his eyes into his sockets. Darquesse looked and saw half of the room were now Changelings and the other half were cowering in the side of the room. Darquesse’s eyes glowed bright green creating a ball of green fire in front of him.
“Ensure those ponies and dragon don’t return” Darquesse ordered. The ball of fire shot into the sky and began following the girls train.
Luna tried to help Celestia but thanks to her inability to access her magic and the fact she was weak too she couldn’t help Celestia up. As Luna tried again she noticed a large shadow covered her and Celestia. Luna looked to see Darquesse hovering above them with his fingers now morphed to a sharp point and were glowing a dull green.
“The girls will be gone for a while so I can turn my attention to you”. Luna eyes widened in fear and she even tried to crawl away but stopped as to not leave Celestia.
“What’s the matter Luna I thought you wanted a fight?”
The train from Canterlot arrived in Ponyville and the girls and Spike quickly dismounted and headed to Twilight’s library. They arrived and Twilight quickly began searching through all the books her magic could reach.
“Twi what ya lookin’ for” Applejack asked
“the birth of the Elements of Harmony, Darquesse said that’s where he put them but I’ve never read about a birth place for them”. Twilight speed through another book and then threw it away. Spike watched as dozens of books landed on his position.
“Twilight the only book you have on the Elements of Harmony says nothing about a birth place”. Twilight looked at her friends and sighed. Nothing in her books could help her; Darquesse must have known the birth place of the Elements and he sent her to failure.
“Darling, where did you get this beautiful crystal rose from” Rarity asked making Twilight turn and look. What greeted her eyes was a bright red crystal rose that seemed too glistened in the light. Tied around the stalk of the rose was a note. Twilight grabbed it with her magic and quickly read it.
“My dear beloved Twilight I think I was to unspecific when I told you where to find the elements. I meant ‘the place where you birthed them’ hopefully this will help I’d hate to read you froze in the snow because of me being unclear.
Good luck Twilly
Darquesse xx”
Twilight reread the note and instantly knew where Darquesse had hid the elements.
“Darquesse didn’t mean the actual birthplace of the Elements but the birthplace of where we became the spirits of the elements, The Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters”.
After a ten minute preparation and change from their dresses the girls were ready to head out. Twilight ran to the door and opened it with her magic and was instantly met with a painful gust of ice cold wind and snow.
“What! There’s no snow scheduled for weeks it shouldn’t even be cold enough for snow” said Rainbow Dash with a confused expression shared by the others. Twilight took two steps into the cold just in time to see a green ball of fire arrive and turn into Darquesse. All the girls instantly hardened and became tense at the sight of the creature that stood before them.
“Do you like it? I did it for you specifically. I knew you worked out where the elements are due to my rose, did you like that I made it myself for you my dear”. Twilight stood her ground for a few seconds before loosening up and trotted forward with a stern face.
“If you like a little snow or this mental image can stop us you’re sorely mistaken”. Her friends joined her by her side as Darquesse looked unsurprised.
“Well you definitely are powerful if you can tell I’m an image not even my sister could do that”. Darquesse looked at the group before grabbing his hat and bowing before melting into the snow.
“Come on girls we need to get moving” Twilight stated while trotting away quickly followed by the girls and Spike “right behind ya Twilight”.
It was a slow and painfully journey due to the weather that Darquesse had summoned. After three blizzards, two typhoons and even a sharknado the group finally arrived at the old castle. Twilight smiled as the castle greeted her eyes like an old friend. Twilight didn’t waste time and quickly ran up the stairs and entered only to be met by Darquesse lying on the rocks with a pony skull in his hands.
“Well it looks the girls and Spikey have finally arrived what should I do?” He placed the skull near his ear as he shifted his body to look at Twilight and the others who had caught up.
“Yes that could work but what if they… oh, oh that’s dark and so much fun” he moved the skull from his ear to look into its eye sockets.
“You really are a vicious mother bucker McCarthy, I’m glad you’re dead”. He dropped the skull in front of him and then kicked over the wall before looking at the girls.
“Now you’re obviously here for the Elements well they are in the castle but I’m not telling you where they are so you’ll have to search for them in my, drum roll please” just then a drum roll could be heard from nowhere in particular “my castle of… of… bugger I can’t think of a name. Oh well happens when half of your brain is always creating new ponies as their being conceived it’s hard to think of useless comedic names for castles you don’t own”. Twilight sighed at Darquesse saying he was creating Ponies. She didn’t believe that he was the devil or that he created ponies.
“You can stop lying about creating other ponies, I’m not falling for your lie” Twilight stated making Darquesse gasp in mock shock.
“Twilly, oh my, you don’t believe what Celestia told you about me. Ha, it turns out you can create an opinion that goes against Sun Butt”. Before Twilight could say anything else Darquesse teleported past her and into the group.
“Pinkie, how’s it going my fav party queen” Darquesse asked while even brohoofing her.
“Fine thanks” Pinkie answered without a care for who she was talking too.
“Tell me something Pinkie, did your mother ever forgive you?” as Darquesse asked Pinkie’s smile went and her mane and tail seemed to lose some of its volume.
“I don’t know what you mean” Pinkie replied but the pain and shock was evident on her face.
“Let me tell you a secret, she never did”. With that Pinkie’s mane and tail lost all volume and became straight and flat. Darquesse smiled and chuckled but before he could say another word Rainbow Dash flew into his face.
“Hey leave her alone you creep!” Darquesse took a step back in surprise but his smile quickly returned.
“Oh did I upset you and Pinkie, why don’t you go cry to your father about it? Oh wait that’s right”. Rainbow’s face turned from anger to shock as even her wings seemed to stop in surprise. Just then a purple beam of magic shot at Darquesse but he teleported out of the way and back in front of them all.
“Leave them alone Darquesse” ordered Twilight but Darquesse looked uninterested.
“You ruffian, how dare you treat Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash like that” Darquesse laughed at Rarity’s comments.
“A man can do whatever he wishes with his creations”
“we are not your creation Darquesse, you did not make us!” yelled Twilight in a defiant tone which only caused Darquesse to laugh.
“You know nothing all of you so small: The Student so scared of command.”
“The Animal Lover haunted by the eyes of her peers.”
“The Pegasus, still running from daddy.”
“The little one so scared of his greed.”
“The Little girl who lied.”
“The Filly-fooler.”
“And the Generous mare so far outside of her comfort. The valiant pony, who will die in battle so very soon.”
The entire group looked at Twilight hoping for an explanation.
“Twilight, what does he mean?” asked Rarity, fear evident in her voice.
“Don’t listen to him” Twilight tried to assure her friend but panic was obvious evident.
“What does it mean?” Rarity asked even more panicked then before.
“You will die, and I will rule everything”. As Darquesse spoke black clouds of dust swarmed him and he turned to dust too. The dust cloud made the girls fall back in surprise as the dust then flew into the castle.
It took a few seconds for the girls and Spike to adjust themselves. Twilight looked to where Darquesse, but was met with only clear ground.
“Come on girls, every second we waste is another second Darquesse wreaks more destruction on Canterlot” Twilight said as she began moving towards the entrance to the rest of the castle.
“What did he mean though, Twilight?” Rarity asked again making Twilight turn with a determined look.
“He meant nothing; he was simply trying to drive us apart, like Discord before him. He knows that we see through his lie of being our creator, and he also knows that, together, we can overcome anything he throws at us. As long as we don’t lose focus we can retrieve the elements, stop Darquesse from destroying Canterlot and then…”.
Before Twilight said another word Darquesse appeared behind Twilight and then grabbed her and they both then disappeared in a white light, leaving a group of scared mares behind.
Twilight opened her eyes to find herself in the chamber where she found the elements of harmony the first time. Twilight walked up to the elements podium and looked past to see a stone table with two chairs next to it. One chair was occupied by Darquesse.
“Hello Twilight, I chose this location for you to make you more comfortable”.
“Where are my friends?” Twilight asked making Darquesse chuckle.
“Like you they are going through a challenge that will reward them with their element, this is yours”. With those last words a chess set appeared on the table. Twilight trotted up to the table and then looked at Darquesse, who was wearing his most innocent look.
“It’s simple, play and win to get your element”. Twilight thought for a few moments, she had never lost in chess before not even to Celestia but against Darquesse it simply felt like a diversion but she had to get her element. She sighed before finally sitting on the chair. Darquesse smiled and clicked his fingers covering Twilight in a black fur coat and himself in a white version. “Wouldn’t want you to catch a cold, you move first simply say the move and piece”.
Twilight thought for a beat before making her move “ pawn from E2 to E4”
“pawn from C7 to C5” Darquesse said without missing a beat
“knight from G1 to F3” Twilight said after a moment to think but Darquesse countered with a beat miss “knight from B8 to C6”.
Twilight was surprised at how quickly Darquesse was making his moves and decided to at least try to learn about her opponent.
“So if this is what you and I are doing, what is happening with my friends? Pawn from D2 to D4”.
“That information doesn’t concern you right now; you should concentrate on the game to avoid losing. Pawn from C5 to D4 taking pawn”. Twilight looked at the board in shock; she’d never lost a piece first in a game of chess ever, not even to Celestia. Twilight looked at Darquesse to see his evil grin on his face that made her very annoyed.
“Knight from F3 to D4 taking pawn, well then if you won’t talk about that then how about back when you ruled Equestria”. Darquesse looked at her in surprise.
“I thought you didn’t believe in the idea of me being a god, pawn from G7 to G6”
“I don’t, but I enjoy learning about mystic stories and fiction just as much as facts and non-fiction. Bishop from C1 to E3”.
Darquesse smiled at Twilight’s remark before looking at the board. “Well it depends on how far you wanna go back. Bishop from F8 to G7”.
“As far back as you go. Pawn from C2 to C4”. Darquesse thought for a second before smiling.
“Thousands of years ago a species of creatures lived across a land miles from here, they were dying due to the females inability to become pregnant. The female ruler became pregnant with two fillies. This was considered a miracle in the people’s eyes. That miracle ended when my sister was born followed by myself three minutes later. Knight from G8 to F5”.
“Knight from B1 to C3”.
“It was quickly determined that these two weird creatures, with wings and horns, were created with the influence of magic. It didn’t take long for the few remaining members of my parents race to die. My sister and I roamed the lands for years looking for other life but found nothing. Years on years of cold nights and forgetting the feeling of eating food.”
Twilight couldn’t help but feel slightly sorry for Darquesse, his life sounded horrible.
“Forty years of starvation and cold later, my sister attempted to create food but actually managed to create another creature with a horn. My sister and I quickly learned how to create more of our kind. This process was refined to creating more ponies during their mother’s pregnancy. Knight from F5 to G4”.
Twilight didn’t know what to think. On one hoof, this creature was lying through his teeth, like she thought. On the other hoof, she could hear the pain of him and his sister’s ordeals in their life. Her opinion was changing with every word that Darquesse said.
“My friends will find the Elements, Darquesse. Queen from D1 to G4 taking knight” she said changing the subject to save the headache of Darquesse past.
“You think so but I know the truth, that your ‘friends’ are simply pieces in this game and for every piece I take I get one step closer to victory, knight from C6 to D4 taking knight”.
Just then a scream ringed through the halls of the old castle, a scream Twilight recognised immediately.
“Fluttershy! What have you done?”
“Did you really think I’d just let them go galloping through the castle unopposed? I thought you were smarter than that, Twilight”.
Twilight threw her coat off and began to head to the source.
“If you leave you forfeit the game you’ll never get your precious elements.”
Twilight didn’t stop, her friends were too important to her.
“If you leave, then I’ll kill them all”. Twilight stopped in her tracks and turned to see Darquesse poised to knock her king over with an unsettling look of calmness on his face.
“You wouldn’t”
“try me, Twilight”. Twilight knew by the tone in his voice that he wasn’t joking and would kill them if she didn’t return.
“Your friend’s fate is tied to how you do in this game. Win and they succeed but if you lose then they die!” Twilight walked back and sat at her seat and used her magic to place the coat back on her.
“Queen from G4 to D1” Twilight gave Darquesse a death glare as she said her move.
“Knight from D4 to E6”
“queen from D1 to D2”
“pawn from D7 to D6”.
“What have you done with my friends?” she asked while a light chill penetrated her coat and licked her skin.
“I don’t believe you’d wish to know, you may try and save them” was all Darquesse said. Darquesse cracked his neck and took a pipe out and began to smoke the pipe. “I do believe it’s your move”.
Twilight looked at the board with a new sense of dread. Not only was her element at risk but so where her friends safety.
“Bishop from F1 to E2”
“bishop from C8 to D7”
Twilight was starting to wonder if Darquesse knew what he was doing. His moves were too quick to be calculated moves, he was simply ‘winging it’ and winning through luck alone.
“You don’t even know what you’re doing, do you? King from E1 to G1 via castle”
“Eh, your way of playing is to plan a few moves ahead and guess where you’d go from there. My method of play is say a random move and then see what I can make of it. More fun that way, King from E8 to G8 via castle, or I copy”.
Darquesse winked at Twilight making her shiver with disgust… or pleasure she couldn’t tell. She shook her head lightly at the sudden thought that crossed her mind.
“Rook from A1 to D1”
“bishop from D7 to C6”
“knight from C3 to D5”
“rook from F8 to E8”.
Twilight looked at Darquesse for signs of…anything. She could usually see her opponent’s confidents in their faces. Darquesse however was monotone. No slight smile like Luna, no slight hum like Rarity or boastful ‘yes’ like Rainbow. It was quiet unnerving.
“Pawn from F2 to F4”
“knight from E6 to C7”
“pawn from F4 to F5”
“knight from C7 to A6”
Twilight frowned in concentration as a puff of smoke hit her in the face, causing her to cough. She looked at Darquesse who was looking away with a halo above his head glowing brightly. Twilight sighed in annoyance; she thought she’d be free of such behaviour when Discord was turned into stone again.
“Bishop from E2 to G4”
“knight from A6 to C5”.
“I’m not worried Darquesse. I know you’re powerful in magic but I know my friends will defeat whatever you send their way, pawn from F5 to G6 taking pawn”.
“You play the part of a star pupil and residential genius of Ponyville but you lack the ability to look outside your own knowledge. It doesn’t matter what your friends do in their challenges. It all matters on how you do here, pawn from H7 to G6 taking pawn”.
As he took the pawn another scream could be heard from within the castle, it was Pinkie Pie.
“And you didn’t do very well then did you”.
Twilight looked toward the source and silently cursed at her over-confidence.
“Queen from D2 to F2”
“rook from E8 to F8”
“pawn from E4 to E5”
“bishop from G7 to E5 taking pawn”.
Twilight stopped for a second to try and hear one of her friends but sighed in relief when she didn’t hear anything.
“Relieved?” Twilight looked at the smirking Darquesse who was puffing his pipe. “I can tell you are, I can taste how much you care in your aura”.
“What would you now about caring?” Darquesse looked at Twilight with shock clear in his face “all I’ve seen you do is hurt and damage, nothing to do with caring”.
Darquesse was genuinely shocked by this outburst. His knowledge of Twilight didn’t tell him of her giving such an outburst. Well given how he’d beaten her mentor and was now torturing her friends with *blank* and *blank* and Applejack with *blank*. He looked at the audience and shook a finger.
“Believe me Twilight when your 3,564,234 and four months you pick up on a few things, even the ones you don’t understand”
“how old did you sa…”
“your move!”
Knowing she wasn’t going to get any more information out of what she’d just heard she returned her focus to the game in front of her.
“Queen from F2 to H4”
“bishop from C6 to D5 taking knight”
As he took the piece another two screams rung out through the halls, Rarity and Spike.
“Not doing spectacular are we Twilight?” Twilight closed her eyes and forced back the tears that were forming due to her regret.
“Rook from D1 to D5 taking bishop” she said in a low reluctant voice.
“Oh cheer up misery guts. It’s a lovely night in a delightful location, what more do you want? Knight from C5 to E6”.
Twilight didn’t look at Darquesse and just keep her attention on the board.
“Rook from F1 to F3”
“bishop from E5 to F6”
“queen from H4 to H6”
“bishop from F6 to G7”.
Twilight breathed deeply and exhaled loudly, causing Darquesse to chuckle lowly. Twilight was beginning to sweat with nerves, she’d not lost her queen yet but she was beginning to run out of options with what to do. Even this though didn’t break her spirit because of one fact; Applejack. As long as Applejack was still out there then she knew that she could rally her friends and get them through any of Darquesse traps.
“Queen from H6 to G6”
“bishop F7 to G6 taking queen”
Even as Darquesse was saying his move Twilight knew what was coming.
“No!!!”
Twilight looked out to the source of Applejack’s scream and simply hung her head in dread.
“Sounds like you’ve lost your most valuable piece. Poor Applejack, I don’t think she’ll be rallying your friends any time soon”. Darquesse breathed deeply and looked around the room. “I like this castle, out of the way and cold to the touch. Good place to stay hidden and hard to find”.
Darquesse emptied his pipe on the table and stood and began to leave with the thought that he’d won. He was so confident he began to sing ‘Oh I just can’t wait to be king’.
“Bishop from G4 to E6 taking knight, check” Darquesse stopped walking and turned to see Twilight standing near the chess table.
“The game is over Twilight, might wanna go help your precious princess”
“you haven’t won if that’s what you’re thinking”. Darquesse clicked his tongue at Twilight’s statement. “King from G8 to H7”.
“Rook from F3 to H3, check”. Darquesse snarled at this, nopony has ever put him in check.
“If you are the god you claim to be then I don’t think you should be in check”
Darquesse swallowed hard at the taunt. “Bishop from G7 to H6”
“Bishop from E6 to H6 taking bishop”. Darquesse hated this; he never lost chess or one of his challenges. And the fact that Twilight turned his fast paced choice’s method on him further fanned the fires of rage inside him.
“Rook from F8 to F5. You’re getting a little big for your boots. Better step down before you hurt yourself”.
“As long as one of my friends is still in play then I won’t. Rook from D5 to F5 taking rook”.
“Pawn from G6 to F5 taking rook” as he spoke Rainbow Dash’s scream echoed around them. “You were saying?”
“An unfortunate sacrifice. You spoke of this castle being good for staying unfindable, well that’s changed. Bishop from E6 to F7”.
Darquesse licked his lips as Twilight walked up to him and seemed to be squaring off with him.
“What do you mean by that? Queen from D8 to B6.”
“When I replaced my coat on I cast another magical spell as well as the telekinesis spell. King from G1 to H1”.
“Impossible! Only Alicorns can do that. Queen from B6 to B2 taking knight pawn”. Twilight smiled slightly and looked Darquesse in the eye.
“I’m not simply Celestia’s star pupil for nothing”. That surprised Darquesse, Twilight was supposed to be modest not a boaster.
“The other spell that I used was a locator spell, giving directions to my location to anypony in the castle. My friends.” Darquesse exhaled in frustration at what Twilight was saying.
“Of course I intended to have my friends find he before being hurt but when you took Fluttershy I knew that wouldn’t be doable so I change my plan. I knew you’d take my friends out in your challenges. Your skills at chess gave you the advantage and ability to do this. Now all I had to do was wait for you to beat them all, making them angry at you. As I speak my friend are coming this way and while I don’t know what you did the appearance of perspiration on your forehead means you didn’t want them to find you so quickly.”
Just then multiple voices could be heard in the adjacent corridor and Darquesse knew who they belonged to and that he was in trouble.
“Bishop from H6 to F8. Check and subsequent, mate.” Darquesse looked at Twilight in horror as both her friends entered and the defeat of the game hit him.
Twilight stole a look at her friends and instantly felt upset. Fluttershy’s mane was torn and chunks of her coat were missing. Pinkie Pie’s mane was flat and her coat was darker. She also had mud caked hooves and her tail was filled with bits of rock. Rarity’s mane was also straight and had three scratches on her cheek that were dangerously close to her eye. Spike looked okay and unhurt, thankfully. Applejack was red eyed and was still crying while her hooves bleed slightly. Rainbow Dash looked okay but her back legs were slightly raised, indicating she’d really hurt her spine or thighs.
Twilight looked at Darquesse with complete disgust as he refilled his pipe and placed it in his mouth.
“When our business here is concluded here, it’s important you should know. I will endeavour to find the most creative of endings for Celestia. And the mare you love”.
Twilight’s eyes widen in horror as Darquesse lights his pipe and smiles. Darquesse blinked as Twilight’s horn began to glow and Darquesse went to punch her...
