Outsider: The Vengeful Changeling

Chapters

The Traitor
Power Aquired
Chill
One Gift for Four
Power
Death to the Night
No More Deaths
Everything Changes
Lazy Night
Memories

The Traitor

Twilight woke to the sound of Spike talking but she couldn’t tell if he was talking to himself or to somepony. She ignored it and went over to her mirror and brushed her mane. She had the oddest dream last night of her and the new guard Flash. It wasn’t anything out of the ordinary, it was just her and Flash at the movies but it was still odd. She couldn’t figure out why it was that way but it was a dream, nothing more. Still, she couldn’t help but think that there was more to it than that. “I shouldn’t think about it, I’ve got my share of things to do today.” Twilight finished brushing her mane, set down the brush, and headed downstairs when there was a knock on the door. “Spike!” Twilight called down.

“I got it Twilight!” Spike answered the door and standing in front of him was Flash Sentry. “I take it you’re here for Twilight?”

“Yes and no, I came for a certain book actually. Is she awake?” Flash asked looking past the small dragon.

“Hello Flash, good to see you again, I heard you say that there was a book you need?” Flash nodded. “I find it odd that you would need a book but I suppose that Princess Celestia has her reasons for asking you. So what is the book you need?” Twilight went over to one of the shelves.

“It’s on legends, a specific legend that the princess is worried about.” Flash walked over to the shelves next to Twilight. “It’s the legend of the Outsider.”

Twilight grabbed a book off the shelf that was full of legends, myths, and so on but something wasn’t right about the request. “I remember specifically that princess Celestia said never to give this book to anypony, why-” Twilight felt two hooves around her neck squeezing tightly. She struggled to free herself but it was no use and the world around her went dark.

“Sorry Princess but this is too important.” Flash heard a gasp behind him and turned to see Spike running past him. Flash ran over to the door just before Spike reached it and blocked the small dragons’ path. “You’re not going anywhere.” Flash tackled the dragon and knocked him out. “Now back to my reading.” He went over and picked up the book that Twilight had grabbed and began looking through the many legends. Moments passed before he found the correct one. “Let’s see what this has to say about you.”

Legend of the Outsider

A pony hidden away in the cliffs of the hills is he found. The path of good is an easy trail but the path of evil is more difficult and near impossible. Find him and he will give you a gift for you to decide how to use. He does not care either way but he will watch your every move and action. Beware, where there is evil, there will be those ready to repress it.
“Really, that’s all that there is, what does that even mean? What cliff and what hills; wait, it couldn’t be?” Flash looked around frantically and found a map of equestria showing off the names of landmarks, towns, cities, and so on. He soon found what he was looking for. “That’s it, Macintosh Hills, in the Badlands.” He grabbed the book and put it away and then did the same with the map just as an orange pony came in.

“What in tarnation?” Applejack said as she looked around the room. Twilight and Spike were out cold on the floor and a guard turned around with a smile on his face. “What did ya do to them?”

“Sorry little miss honesty but I have to go.” Flash ran past and out the door leaving Applejack baffled.

A guard ran frantic through Froud Valley to warn Crush and Sweetie Belle about the traitor Bloodlust. It had started raining and his armor weighed heavy on him as he ran. The rain turned the dirt roads to mud and soaked the torches putting out the flame that lit the way. Despite being daytime, it was as dark as night. Every changeling ran inside to keep dry, only this single guard traveled. He soon arrived at the castle, the gargoyles, black twisted spires sticking high above the roof, along with the lightning created a creepy atmosphere. The guard knocked on the door multiple times before another Changeling opened up. “I need to speak to our new rulers immediately.” The Changeling at the door could hear the urgency in his voice and let him by without question.

“Go right ahead Blackwater.” The guard known as Blackwater nodded and ran forward through the halls, came upon the doors to the king and queens room and knocked as calmly as possible.

“Come in, the door is open.” Crush said from the other side of the door. Blackwater opened the door and walked in dripping water along the way. “Blackwater, what is going on?”

Blackwater let himself catch his breath before bowing and then stood up straight. Crush and Sweetie had been cuddled up until they saw the look in Blackwaters eyes. “It’s Bloodlust your highnesses, he is going to betray you. He is currently working on his scheme as we speak. I tried to stop him but he was Chrysalis personal guard, he was too strong for me. I will understand if you kill me for this unforgivable failure.” Blackwater bowed down until he felt a hoof on his chin.

Sweetie lifted his face so they could stare at each other. “Now don’t think such a thing, you have warned us and that is enough.” She turned to Crush who looked furious. “What do we do?”

“I must let Princess Twilight know, surely she will help. Princess Celestia must also know of this, I’m sure that she will have sent look outs to keep an eye out for him. I dislike it but once we capture him, he will be put to death. I should have had that done the moment we took over. This betrayal is no surprise to me, I knew him all too well.” Crush turned to Blackwater. “Go and warn the princesses of this heinous act and let them know that if they catch Bloodlust, they are welcome to execute him but before you go, do you know what his plans are?” Blackwater shook his head. “Go, quickly, there is no time to waste.” With a nod, Blackwater ran out the room while Crush grabbed a hold of Sweetie and held her tight.

Author's Note

So from here on in, i will be updating every Monday and possibly on Saturdays. I have no idea what Froud Valley looks like or if I even found good info on where the Changelings live but I did and will do my best with it.

Power Aquired

“Twilight, Twilight, you ok?” Applejack gave Twilight a gentle nudge. Twilight fluttered her eyes open. “You’re awake, good.”

“What happened to me?” Twilight grabbed onto her throat as she remembered the feeling of being choked.

“I aint sure sugarcube, I came in and found both you and Spike out like a light. Somepony was here with ya, he looked like a guard but he sure didn’t act like one.” Applejack sat down next to Twilight. “Ya’ll have been out for at least a few hours. What’s goin on?”

Twilight looked away angrily. “Flash, he knocked me out after I tried to ask him about why the princess would ask him to acquire the book of legends.” Twilight stood up off her bed and wobbled around for a second before gaining her balance. “When I find him, he is-” Twilight was interrupted by the sound of a knock at the door. “Is Spike awake?” Applejack shook her head. “I’ll go get it then.” Twilight headed downstairs followed by Applejack. When the door opened, Twilight grabbed onto the pony with her magic and threw him across the room. “Who do you think you are Flash?”

“Whoa, hold it hold it!” Flash backed up against the wall a little frightened. “What did I do?”

“You knocked me out after I asked you about the book!” Twilight saw the look on Flash’s face and lowered her voice. “You didn’t do that did you?”

“I assure you Princess; I would never do such a terrible thing. In fact I was attacked last night. I woke up behind the hotel I was supposed to stay in. When I went to go check in, they wondered why I would check in right after checking out.” Twilight was about to respond when the door to the library flew open.

“Your highness, Princess Twilight Sparkle, it’s an emergency.” A changeling said as he worked on getting his breath back into his lungs.

“Who are you, what’s the problem?” Twilight asked and stood tall, her head held high.

The Changeling bowed and answered the question. “My name is Blackwater and I was sent by King Crush and Queen Sweetie Belle to warn you. There is a traitor amongst the changelings; he is after something and I assure you it’s not good. I’m not sure of his plans but I’m sure it has to do with some legend. It would be the only way for him to stand against an army alone. I have also been told to tell you that if you find him, he is to be executed immediately, no questions asked. His name is Bloodlust and he was Chrysalis, guard.”

“He must have been the one who knocked Spike and I out. Flash, go get a group of guards, send them to Macintosh Hills. That is where, Bloodlust was it;” Blackwater nodded. “He will be. I’m positive that he is after the Legend of the Outsider. Flash, you are to return to me afterward, understood.” Flash nodded and ran off in a hurry.

“Princess, may I lay down for a moment, I’ve been traveling all night.” Twilight nodded and Blackwater gladly jumped onto the couch eager to fall asleep.

“Applejack, do me a favor and tell Flash that I went to Froud Valley to speak with Sweetie Belle and Crush and please take care of Spike and tell him not to follow me.” Twilight picked up her saddle bag and put it on.

“Of course.” Applejack ran upstairs and kept an eye on Spike who was still asleep. “Ah wonder if he is asleep because he wants to be?” Applejack chuckled at the small dragons sleeping habits and what he would do to stay asleep.

Bloodlust arrived at the sought out cave, the same cave that had been their hideout. Without so many Changelings in the cave, it was noticeably bigger. “It was right here the entire time, how did I miss it?” Bloodlust looked around but couldn’t figure it out. There wasn’t anything obvious leading anywhere special. He had to be missing something. “I’m here right, this is the place? Where do I find you Outsider!?” There was a bright flash that blinded the changeling. Once the light vanished, a blue and black line could be seen leading to a nearby wall. “You’re kidding me?”

Bloodlust walked up to the wall and fazed through it. Once on the other side, arrows came flying through the air straight at him. He ducked the arrows just in time. “That was close.” He continued on his way and found the walls moving closer trying to turn him into a pancake. He ran forward and continued to run and duck avoiding multiple obstacles and traps. After a very uncomfortable run, he came to a large round room. A tall Stallion appeared before him. “You the outsider?”

“The test is not yet over.” The ground below Bloodlust gave way and the ceiling above moved downward. “Survive this and you will be granted my power.”

Bloodlust tried to escape but the ceiling cut him off. He flew down and then shot himself upward as fast as possible.

The rock ceiling stopped moving as soon as it reached the bottom of the pit. “That was a bust.” The Outsider said as the ceiling moved back up almost instantly. In a hole in the ceiling came Bloodlust. “You wish to have my power, here you go. I am curious to see what you do with it.” The Outsider disappeared and Bloodlust found himself back in the main part of the cave.

“That was a rush, I think, oh my head.” Bloodlust took a few moments to gather his thoughts. He felt dizzy and off balance, he lifted his hoof to his head. “I see it, the power, it’s mine.” He shook his head to clear it and then headed outside to find guards everywhere. “How long was I gone for?” Bloodlust looked around when a guard saw him. “Time to test out my power.” After a bit of thought, he waved his hoof out and time stood still. “Wonderful.” A blade appeared next to him. “What’s this and where, no matter.” It took him no time to kill each of the guards. “Watch yourself your highnesses, your doom is near at hoof.” He chuckled as he made his way back to Froud Valley.

Chill

Twilight had been traveling for hours and it had started getting dark. She had gotten on a train to Appleloosa, it was the fastest way by far. Still, it didn’t calm her nerves any knowing that her former student could be in trouble. She didn’t worry about Crush, she still didn’t fully trust the changelings but she did her best to keep an open mind about them.

Twilight stared out the window and thought as the scenery flashed by her. In the distance she saw a black pony suddenly disappear. “How the?” Twilight asked her self as she rubbed her eyes thinking that she saw something. A cold chill went down her spine that made her shiver. “I must be tired.” Twilight tried to reason with her self but it wasn’t any use. Something was wrong and she could feel it. She wasn’t sure how she knew or why she felt that way but she did. At that point, thoughts entered her mind in a wave and it gave her a headache. “Please be ok Sweetie Belle.” Twilight whispered.

The train arrived in Appleloosa and Twilight got off in a hurry. She shot off in the direction of Froud Valley hoping more then ever that her former student was ok. “Please be ok, please be ok.” Twilight repeated over and over again as she ran. The closer she got to Froud Valley, the colder the wind became. Rain began to pour as if it was trying to keep up with time. A flood of water rushed from the clouds above and drenched Twilight to the bone. Then it stopped for only a moment and started again. The same with the wind, everything seemed to stand still every few seconds. The closer she got the more the chill that ran through her affected her.

As she got closer to the castle, a guard started to speak but then stopped. When he spoke again, he was even closer to Twilight then before. “He is screwing with time, he has to be.” Twilight whispered as the guard once again began to speak only to stop and start again closer to her. She didn’t need to speak to the guard, she ran past him in a hurry ignoring him as he tried to speak once again and once again stopped.

Twilight ran into the castle and into the courtyard. A guard stopped her immediately. “Princess Twilight, our rulers wish to speak with you.” The guard pointed Twilight in the correct direction.

“Thank you kind sir.” Twilight ran and once again felt the chill run down her spine. “Why don’t I freeze as well?” She asked her self as she made her way toward Crush and Sweetie’s room. A few times running up the stairs Twilight felt that chill and sensed that time had stopped. She finally reached the destined room and knocked on the door.

“Come in.” Crush had said from the other side of the door. Twilight opened up the door and stepped into the room standing tall, head high, eyes serious.

Twilight saw the scene in front of her. Sweetie Belle and Crush had at least ten guards surrounding her not to mention the fact that Crush had his hooves wrapped around her protectively. The two royals had tried to keep from showing the fear that they had but it did no good. The fear was evident, there was no hiding it. Twilight however could keep that look back. “I’m glad to see you two safe.”

“First, why did you need Princess Celestia’s permission to marry us, you never did explain it and second, Twilight, how can you be so calm?” Sweetie shook in Crush’s hooves.

“First of all, I didn’t really ask for her permission. I had a few questions about how I was to get you two married and she just gave it. Secondly, it is easy Sweetie, I’ve dealt with Chrysalis, almost lost you on a few occasions and I’ve had practice. Now what can you tell me about Bloodlust?” Twilight asked as she walked closer to the two.

“Don’t you come closer, we don’t trust you. You may not be you, I really don’t know anymore.” Crush held Sweetie back and away from Twilight.

“Fair enough, now what can you tell me of Bloodlust?” Twilight said once again.

“Bloodlust was the strongest of all of Chrysalis’s guards. He spent every day training just to make sure that none could beat him in anything and those things that could be used against him, he trained to make sure he could counter it. He was nothing short of the next Chrysalis. He didn’t care that he hurt somepony, ally or other. That’s why he was Chrysalis’s right hoofed Changeling. He was nothing short of loyal to her. He was also Chrysalis, to say it nicely, her mate and my father.” Sweetie and Twilight went wide eyed at hearing this. “That won’t matter though, he will kill me when he gets the chance. The only reason I’m so gentle is because Chrysalis wouldn’t let Bloodlust do anything to me. He wanted to push me to exhaustion but no, she wouldn’t have it. That is one thing that I owe Chrysalis, if not for her; I’m sure I would have died. Bloodlust is uncaring and I want him dead.” Crush finished and hugged Sweetie tighter.

“I see, then I will stand by what you have said and my intentions. No mercy, no questions, he dies.” Twilight felt it again, that surge of energy, that chill. Here one moment, the next it’s gone. “Crush, you need to get Sweetie and yourself someplace safer then here. Bloodlust knows how to get here. He knows that you’ll be here and he will come after you. I’m not sure why but I can tell that-” The chill hit again and when it stopped, she noticed Sweetie was gone. “No, NO!” Twilight screamed forcing Crush to look at her and then turn his head where Sweetie used to be.

“Sweetie Belle, SWEEEEETIE! No, he will die, DO YOU HEAR ME BLOODLUST, YOU’RE DEAD. I’M GOING TO RIP YOU APART AND FEED YOU TO THE TIMBERWOLVES!” Crush screamed as he made his way over to the window. “BLOOODLUUUST, YOU PIECE OF FILTH, YOU’RE DEAD, YOU’RE DEAD YOU SON OF A” Crush just stopped speaking and broke down crying on the window sill.

“I’ll kill him Crush.” Twilight received an angry look from Crush.

“You bring him to me, he is mine to kill.” Crush growled through his teeth.

“You’re not in the right mind set to take care of such a thing, I’ll take him out.” Twilight insisted. She couldn't blame Crush for the need to take care of Bloodlust himself but she couldn't let him do that.

“No, I want him, he will die by my hooves, got that princess?” Crush glared.

“No and don’t make me have to lock you up for your own protection.” With that said Twilight teleported away.

“Twilight! He is mine.” A sharp pain shot through his head and he fell unconscious.

Author's Note

I decided to update today since I won't on Monday. Instead I will update today and then again on Tuesday. It will go back to normal after that.

One Gift for Four

Twilight had traveled all night back to her library; luckily she had been able to sleep most of the way. Once she reached the train station in Appleloosa, all she had to do was sit back and relax for the most part. There were a few things that had kept her awake longer then she had wanted. One of those things was Crush and how he had acted. He acted the way any normal pony would have reacted not that one would have to act that way to be normal, it was just one that wouldn’t surprise anypony. It scared her to think that Crush would go after Bloodlust without a clear head.

Twilight couldn’t be sure why that worried her, that Crush, a Changeling would die because of enraged mind. Changelings couldn’t be trusted, not completely; even now she had kept an eye out for them. Sweetie Belles marriage to Crush didn’t make much of a difference in her eyes. Still, she didn’t want to see him dead. Crush really hadn’t been a bad Changeling and he was helping or at least that was how she was trying to see it. She couldn’t help but feel that Crush, regardless of what Twilight had said or done, wasn’t trying to get rid of her and take over.

It was midnight before Twilight returned to the library and had she been awake enough, she would have felt a strange chill down her back but not from time freezing but from somepony watching her. She walked into the library and yawned loudly. “Spike, you awake?” Twilight asked through a large yawn.

“I’ve been up waiting for you, Flash has as well. We’ve been worried sick, well he has.” Spike pointed to Flash who had fallen asleep on the couch.

“He should worry; he is my guard after all.” Twilight saw a small smirk on Spike’s lips. “What?”

“He wasn’t worried because of that; he was worried because he loves you.” Spike made a kissy face at Twilight.

“Grow up Spike.” Twilight yawned and chuckled as she made her way upstairs. It had been a long day and she knew that once her head hit the pillow, she would be out like a light.

Twilight woke later than normal that morning. She got up, brushed her mane and got ready as fast as possible. The smell of pancakes rose from the kitchen. “Good old Spike.” Twilight made her way downstairs and into the kitchen to find a surprise. It wasn’t Spike making breakfast but her guard. “Flash, you’re making breakfast?”

Flash jumped when he heard Twilights voice. He turned around and smiled. “Princess, I was going to bring you breakfast in bed. You had such a long day yesterday and so I thought I would make this morning relaxing for you.”

Twilight smiled and walked over to the table. “Don’t be silly, it wasn’t completely out of the ordinary. Ok it was a little but that’s because I went to Froud Valley. Staying up late was normal enough though. Thank you though Flash, that is very sweet of you.”

Twilight sat down when somepony knocked on her door. “I got it!” Spike yelled from the other room as he ran toward the door. He opened it up and was shocked by what he had seen. “Twilight, could you come here?” Spike asked from the door.

Twilight stood up from the table and walked into the other room. “Who is it Spike?” Twilight made her way toward the door. When she arrived, she smiled and then her eyes widened. “Zecora, what happened?” Twilight let her friend in and the two went over to the couch and sat down.

Zecora limped the whole way, her body scratched up and bleeding or was bleeding. Bandages covered the worst scratches on her body and she now wore an eye patch. “Twilight, Trixie and I, we fought with Bloodlust but we weren’t strong enough. What can I say, we were out of practice. I suppose that even when you’re a natural at something, one must practice.”

“Trixie, as in the blue mean hearted pony; the one that wants revenge and tried to throw me out of Ponyville?” Zecora nodded. “I don’t get it, why, wait, you didn’t rhyme.”

“Trixie, I and two others have a gift. Trixie, one other, and I have been keeping our gift a secret. Long story short, we acted completely different then.” Zecora groaned and started to continue when Flash came out. “Flash Sentry, you’re here?”

“Yes Zecora, I’m Twilights guard.” Flash walked up next to Twilight and smiled.

“Good, she is going to need you, Equestria will need you. You have had the courage to practice your skills.” Zecora fainted on the couch. Twilight went over and checked for a pulse which with great relief she found.

“Flash, what is she talking about?” Twilight turned and asked. “What haven’t you told me?” She was to say a bit miffed.

“Trixie, Zecora and I have all been gifted with the outsiders’ power. That’s why Bloodlust went after them, they were in his way. Chances are, I’m next but I don’t intend to let him live.” Flash pulled out his sword.

“Go, get as many guards as possible and search him out. Do not confront him, tell me where he is and I’ll go with you as backup. Nopony fights this Changeling alone.” Twilight ordered. Flash wanted to protest but Twilight wouldn’t let him. “No buts Flash, you do as I say is that understood?” Flash gave a hard nod and left but not before giving Twilight a quick peck on the cheek. Twilight blushed for a moment before she stood straight and focused.

“Told you he liked you Twilight.” Spike pointed out.

“Not…now.” Twilight felt the chill and started to teleport out of the room. Spike stood frozen and Twilight appeared to be the same way.

Bloodlust entered the room behind Twilight, jumped on her and started to slice her neck when she disappeared. “What, no, how?” Bloodlust asked looking around the room confused and angry. “She can’t do that, she doesn’t have the gift.” He looked around the room some more but couldn’t find her anywhere. “AHHHHHHH! This isn’t OVER!” Bloodlust blinked upstairs, out the balcony and left Ponyville.

Twilight appeared outside her home just as Bloodlust left. Her breathing was raspy and her throat hurt. She reached up with her hoof and felt her neck. She could feel a thick wet substance and knew that her neck had been sliced, at the very least scratched. “Guards!” Twilight yelled as loud as she could but it was like Fluttershy talking, quiet and unheard. Her blood ran down her neck, to her underside and down one of her fore hooves. “Somepony?” Twilight wobbled and then collapsed and blacked out as screams were heard getting closer.

Author's Note

Sorry I didn't update sooner, there were some unexpected obstacles.

Power

Bloodlust walked around the room, circling Sweetie Belle while doing so. She had been put on a rock table and tied up. Bloodlust just glared angrily at her not in the mood to care that she couldn’t see him. He was too angry at knowing that he had failed to kill Twilight and what’s worse was that she seemed to be able to use her magic though frozen. It didn’t make any sense, did his power not freeze time completely, had the outsider not given him full power? He wasn’t being told something and it angered him. He had his greatest enemy in his grasp and she slipped right through his hooves.

Bloodlust kicked a small pebble and stomped the ground as if he were angry with it. The small pebble hit the wall and the sound echoed throughout the area. “Surely I am stronger then this?” Bloodlust saw a purple light where the pebble had hit the wall. He cocked his head and made his way over to the light. The wall seemed thin, far to thin to be able to hold up rock, a hidden tunnel perhaps? He pound his hooves against the wall and a blinding purple light broke through and shone as bright as the sun.

Bloodlust blocked the light with his foreleg to keep the light from blinding him even more. Once the light calmed, he lowered his leg and the outsider appeared. “With great power comes invisibility against your enemies but those with great power will see right through you?” The outsider disappeared leaving Bloodlust very confused.

“What does that mean you old fool?” Bloodlust could only stare at what appeared to be a shrine. He just stood there angrily for a few moments and then a soft moan was heard behind him. He turned around and walked over to Sweetie Belle. “Hello your highness, let me fill you in on something. I have the ability to freeze time and yet Twilight escaped me when she has no abilities that compare to mine. She doesn’t have the mark of the outsider, so tell me, how can one like her escape me? Only those with the same gift as I can resist my power; I’ll give you a moment to think.”

Sweetie though a little groggy understood what her captor had said. Why would he even ask her, she wouldn’t know and even if she did, she wouldn’t tell him. “I know nothing of the outsider you creep and once Twilight gets here, she will tear you apart and Crush will help.” Sweetie then spit at him but it landed short.

Bloodlust slapped Sweetie across the face and then climbed up on the table. “I will not be ignored, you’re close to her. Tell me how she could possibly escape me.” Sweetie didn’t say anything which resulted in Bloodlust slapping her a few more times. “Answer me you no good-” Sweetie cut him off by spitting in his face and it angered Bloodlust. He slapped her a few times more and then picked up her head and slammed her head against the table twice. “Answer me!”

Sweetie now bled from her nose and mouth as well as the back of her head. “Twilight is twice as powerful as you, go rot in-” Sweetie was cut off by more slaps.

“You little” Bloodlust then realized what the outsider had meant and he hopped off the table. “She is more powerful than I am, she could feel my power. That’s the reason, which makes her an even greater threat to me than I had originally thought.” Bloodlust walked off leaving Sweetie Belle bleeding on the rock table.

Twilight woke to the sound of voices all around her. All her friends, her brother, and some Changelings were there. When she had woken fully, she felt a sharp pain in her neck and reached up to touch it but her hoof was kept down by a nurse. “You mustn’t touch your neck with too much force your highness, the stitches will tear easily. You must also keep your neck fairly still, no turning your head quickly or lying on your stomach. Now what happened Princess?” It was Nurse Redheart.

Everypony in the room waited for an explanation. Twilight thought back for a moment and then nodded. “Bloodlust, he froze time…I could feel it and so I tried to leave.” Twilight gently touched her neck. “Shining Armor, I wish to speak with you alone, now.” Twilight demanded; the others looked worried but nodded.

“Twily, what is it, what’s going on?” Shining asked worried for his sister. Sure he knew about Bloodlust and all but what about what just happened, he didn’t understand and it worried him more.

“The important thing here is that you take my friends and Spike away from here and hide them away. If I can barely escape with my life, they have no chance.” Twilight frowned but gave her brother the ‘do it or I hurt you look.’ Shining wanted to argue but nodded. “Go get the others please.” Shining left and let the others in.

“Ok Twilight, what’s going on? Why did you have to speak to your brother alone?” Rainbow Dash asked a little worried and miffed.

“It’s simple, you five are going with my brother to the Crystal Empire.” Twilight had only been quiet for a split second before the Rainbow spoke up.

“Hay no, we’re not leaving you.”

“That’s right sugarcube, we aint leavin yer side.” Applejack stood firm in her agreement with Rainbow.

“We can totally help out with this big mean meanie pants.” Pinkie smiled widely but frowned when Twilight spoke.

“No, you will not help me this time. You will all go with my brother.” Twilight said her voice unable to be raised.

“Come on, we have the elements, we can take him out in ten seconds flat.” Rainbow said proudly.

“Yes Rainbow, until he freezes time and kills every one of you before we get the chance to move.” The others weren’t sure what to say and so Twilight continued. “I’m not asking you as a friend anymore, I’m ordering you as a princess. Have I made myself clear?” The others nodded except for Rainbow who wanted to argue but Applejack kept her from doing so. “Rainbow, have I made myself clear?” Rainbow gave an angry nod. “Good, now-”

“Your highness, I’m sorry to interrupt but Crush has been put away for his own safety. We heard what you said just outside the door and we know that Crush would go after Bloodlust regardless.” Blackwater said.

“Very good, now where is Flash?” Just then said pony walked in. “Flash, I need you here with me. You’re the only one left that can really take on Bloodlust.” Twilight turned to her friends. “Go now, I’ll see you all later. I love you all.” The five gently gave Twilight a hug and then left sadly.

“I’m still here for you Twilight.” Spike said with a smile but then Twilight shook her head. “I’m going with them aren’t I?” Twilight nodded and Spike left sadly.

“I’ll be fine, don’t worry.” Twilight said as the group left but wasn’t so sure her self.

Death to the Night

Twilight had been taken to Canterlot for safety, she wasn't given a choice considering her circumstance. Twilight didn't like it one bit but she knew that she wouldn't be able to fight and Flash wouldn't allow her to. Sometimes she wished that the guards were a little less protective but she knew that if they were, the Princesses would probably end up seriously injured or dead. Twilight took her trip and grounding in strides but that didn't mean that she wasn't a little irate. “Was it really necessary to lock me up in a tower? I mean come on, if Bloodlust wanted to get to me it wouldn't be that hard for him.” She made circles on the carpet with her hoof, bored out of her mind or perhaps it was her nerves. She had a hard time not worrying about her friends or anypony else for that matter. “Flash, could you come in so we can talk?”

Flash had been her guard until morning when he would go out and search for Bloodlust. “Sorry your highness but unless your in trouble, I can’t enter the room while you are alone.” As much as Flash liked Twilight, he knew he had a job to protect her.

“Oh please Flash, I just need somepony to talk to. I would read but it just isn't doing it for me.” Flash still refused to enter the room. “Come on, talking through the door is just stupid, I will come out if I need to.” Twilight stood up when the door opened. “That’s better, now come in and talk with me, please.” Twilight begged.

“Sorry but you either talk to me through the door or not at all your highness. Better yet, not at all would be better. I don’t need to be distracted.” Flash shut the door.

“Oh come on, it’s not like I would have ended up pregnant or anything.” Twilight realized what she had just said and blushed madly. How could she have just said that, Flash was probably embarrassed too or angry, possibly both? Why did she like him anyway, he was being such a guard and a bit of a jerk. She was bored and wanted somepony to talk to but he wouldn't budge. “Could you at least find Princess Celestia or princess Luna and ask one of them to come talk to me?”

“Sorry Princess, I can’t leave my post.” Flash refused to budge.

This is why having a guard be a guard sucked, he wouldn't move unless she was in danger. When didn't they act like a guard? The only possible time was when they had time off or got married and only one of those things happened more then the other. Maybe she should threaten to jump out the window. “Oh right, I have wings, that wouldn't frighten him and besides, the windows are barred up.” Twilight mumbled irritably as she continued to twirl her hoof on the ground. All she wanted was something to do, was that really too much to ask? She understood that Bloodlust was dangerous but would taking a few moments to act like a normal pony be so bad. “I guess it doesn't matter what I say, he is going to continue being a guard and guard me.” Twilight reached up and touched her neck to feel the stitches. Despite being able to speak clearer, she was scared to move her neck too fast in fear of the stitches tearing.

Just outside Canterlot, on top of the wall, hidden away, Bloodlust was preparing himself for the attack without the use of his powers. He had to wait until he was close to use them. What could he honestly do with them other than alert the princesses and blow his cover. The only viable option was to use Blink to get from building to building without being seen. Unfortunately there were guards on every street corner and rooftop as well. One little mistake and there would be no going back. He was determined and nothing and nopony would stop him. He looked up at the barred windows of one of the rooms and smiled. “Prepare yourself Princesses, at least one of you die tonight, of that you can be sure.”

Back inside the castle, Princess Luna and Princess Celestia had been talking. “Luna, what do you think we should do?” Luna nor Celestia had been able to come up with any plan to capture Bloodlust more or less kill him.

“I can’t say sister, this Bloodlust sounds like an assassin of which we have never dealt with before. Suppose he came after us, would we be able to do anything? He almost killed Princess Twilight without so much as breaking a sweat. That in itself is reason to worry and have a viable plan that I’m afraid we have no way of having. If it is true that he can freeze time, what can we do?” Luna took a sip of her tea she had been drinking. Both Luna and her sister were scared and they weren't afraid to admit it to each other.

“Surely you do not mean to tell me Luna, that we should just give up? There are many ponies looking to us for help. We can’t just give up on them.” Celestia paced around the room nervously.

“Of course not my dear sister but perhaps there is somepony who knows how to deal with an assassin like Bloodlust and I feel that Flash is just that pony. Suppose we ask him?” Luna asked as a chill ran down the princesses spines.

“Luna, to Twilight!” Celestia had already begun to teleport out of the room. When she reappeared, she had startled Twilight.

“Princess Celestia, where is Princess Luna and just as important I think, are you all right?” Twilight got up and caught her former mentor before Celestia hit the ground. Celestia hadn’t teleported fast enough to escape and she feared for her sister. Celestia had been cut up from head to hoof. On her side written in her cuts was the word, ‘Prepare’.

“Don’t fuss over me, it’s my sister that you should worry about.” Just outside the room the sounds of swords clashing was heard echoing through the building. “She is gone now, isn't she?” Celestia put her head in her hooves and began to cry. When Twilight tried to comfort her, she was pushed away. Celestia looked at her with sad eyes. “Don’t touch me Twilight.” Celestia’s words were not filled with hate but filled with pain and sorrow. “I’m a terrible sister Twilight. First I have to banish Luna and now I left her for dead. I should have teleported her out with me.” A sharp pain shot through cheek.

Twilight stood above her former mentor with a hard glare. “You are a wonderful sister Celestia. You know as well as I do that teleporting more then just yourself takes longer and more energy. You both would have died if you tried to save your sister and you know that.” Twilight raised her voice a bit too much. She held onto her throat to feel the stitches, they were still intact. “Have I made myself clear?”

“Yes but I should have teleported my sister out instead of me at the very least.” Twilight had no chance to respond when Flash came into the room.

“I have chased him off for now but I suspect that he will return.” Flash looked out the window and watched as Bloodlust fled from the castle. “Your highness's, what shall we do now?” Neither of the princesses had any idea what to do. Celestia teleported out of the room and back to the room with her sister.

Laying on the ground was Luna, her throat slit and her blood covered the floor. Celestia’s coat was now soaked with her own blood. She grabbed her sister and then called for the medics before she fainted from lack of blood.

No More Deaths

Bloodlust ran all the way back to the old hideout where he held the new queen hostage. It wasn’t hard when he could get there in just a blink. When he returned, he walked up to his prisoner with a pleased smile on his face. He had a few scratches on him but he accomplished his goal. Every princess was now out of the way, more or less, except for one. He still had one princess to take out and she resided in the Crystal Empire. One last strike and he would be able to focus on taking out Flash Sentry and then continue onto the main event, taking back the throne. He couldn’t just kill Sweetie Belle now, Crush was still around and while the princesses were alive and able to fight, taking out Crush wouldn’t be worth it. He would still have at least one princess on his tail, not to mention that Flash Sentry was still around, so he needed to go before Crush as well. “Hello your highness, how are you?” Bloodlust stood beside Sweetie Belle.

“What?” Sweetie didn’t ask anything specifically, she didn’t feel like it. While Bloodlust was around, he beat her and without her magic, she couldn’t fight back. She was black, blue, and bloody. Her eyes were puffy and she knew that she had a concussion at some point if not still. Her vision was blurry and she was sure that her nose was broken. Her ribs were cracked and it hurt to breath.

“Your highness you look horrible, you should lie down.” Bloodlust mocked. He enjoyed Sweetie Belles pain oh so much that one could say that he fed off of it. He gave his queen a small smile before he hit her hard two times in the jaw breaking it. He was ready to rip off her jaw when he felt a strong pinprick in his side. He looked behind him and to his left and then his right but there wasn’t anypony there. He looked to himself and found that he was fine. There wasn’t any blood, just a sharp pain that now subsided. “What happened, who or what did that?” Bloodlust looked around frantically in search of any signs of life. If he hadn’t broken Sweetie’s jaw, he would have seen her smiling. Despite not seeing the smile, Bloodlust still assumed that she knew something. “What do you know, tell me?” He slammed his hoof down on her left back leg and broke it. After she didn’t answer, Bloodlust calmed down. “Fine then, I’ll break every one of your legs until you tell me.” He walked over to the other side and grabbed her other back leg. “Well?”

“Let her go Bloodlust!” A pony covered in a black robe said.

“Who are, it can’t be. You didn’t get the power, tell me you didn’t.” Bloodlust backed away from Sweetie and drew his sword.

The pony in black ripped off the robe to reveal Crush beneath. He looked at Sweetie and was angered even more by what he saw. More blood was present and it dripped from the stone that his wife lay on. “You and me will fight to the death and believe me, you will be the one to die.” Crush drew his sword and pointed at Bloodlust.

“You have less experience than I do Crush in the use of the powers and in fighting, you can’t beat me.” Bloodlust shook slightly from the anger running through him. “I will kill you in a few seconds.” Bloodlust heard another voice from behind him, he knew exactly who it was. “Flash Sentry, you’ve returned to take me out have you?”

“Yes, you are to be put to death for conspiring against the Changeling throne by Crush and Sweetie Belles order, for the attempted murder of both Princess Celestia and Princess Twilight, and for the murder of Princess Luna.” Flash drew his sword ready to attack.

Bloodlust looked to Sweetie Belle just to see her face and she was shocked by the info, he could see that much. “Yes your highness, I’ve killed one princess and soon I will have two killed. Cadance will be the next to die by my hoof.” Bloodlust wishing to try out a power that he hadn’t bothered to use yet did just that and summoned a pony assassin from out of nowhere and then disappeared.

In the Crystal Empire, the Elements of harmony were pacing around the throne room. They had been for hours. They were all nervous and upset. What would happen to Twilight and the other princesses? What would happen to them? What if Bloodlust came after Cadance next? What would happen to everypony if they didn’t stop the crazy Changeling? There were so many questions and no answers to be found. “We can’t just let Twilight fight him all alone.” Rarity continued to pace around the room. “What will happen to my sister, what has happened to my sister?”

“Really Rarity, I get that you worried for her, we all are but she isn’t the only one in trouble right now.” Rainbow Dash turned toward Rarity and just stared. Rarity did the same, ready to argue.

“Easy for you to say Rainbow, you don’t have a sister to worry about.” Rarity stepped closer to Rainbow and visa-versa.

“I have Scootaloo that I’m worried about, she is close enough to a sister!” She and Rarity began to raise their voices.

“Oh yes, a sister you can’t even technically call adopted. You don’t really have a sister Rainbow Dash so you can’t possibly understand.”

“It’s not my fault that I don’t have a little sister or brother technically related to me.” Rainbow stood up on her back legs and slammed down her two front legs in front of Rarity.

“Of course not darling, your parents were just too lazy to have another foal.” Rainbow yelled at Rarity to shut up but she refused. “That’s right, they weren’t too lazy, they died.”

Tears formed in Rainbows eyes as she began to cry. “Enough, both of you!” Everypony in the room turned to Cadance. “I leave the room for one second and I come back to see this. What would Twilight say if she saw you two act this way and why did none of you try and stop this? I mean I understand Fluttershy but the rest of you have no excuse.” Nopony said anything too ashamed to say anything. Cadence turned to Rarity with a disapproving glare. “How could you say such a thing, it was cruel and uncalled for and not to mention so unlike you. I should know; Twilight is always talking about all of you and in great detail.”

“Yeah, you tell her princess.” Rainbow said with a smile as she tried to wipe her tears away.

“You don’t get to talk Rainbow Dash, you didn’t help anything. You all should-” A chill ran down Cadances' spine and a second later felt something sharp scrap her side.

Out of nowhere, three ponies appeared. Flash Sentry and Crush had chased Bloodlust all the way there. Cadance fell to the ground in a bloody puddle. “This is the end of the line Bloodlust, you can’t escape and you have run yourself dry of abilities.” Flash turned to the others in the room. “Get the Princess out of here.”

Fluttershy, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash picked up the princess and carried her away. “Oh no you don’t.” Bloodlust ran at the group but was cut off by both Crush and Flash. Bloodlust knocked them both away with some effort and continued his charge. He was within striking distance but was cut off by his two pursuers once again. Bloodlust knocked out Crush and had just enough energy to summon an assassin to deal with Flash. He had to run fast and catch up with the princess; she was almost at the door. Two guards came running into the room. “You have got to be kidding me.” Bloodlust ran faster and killed both guards as he ran. He was once again within distance of the princess and thrust forward. Instead of his intended target, he was met with the face of a small dragon.

“You will not hurt Twilight’s sister in law.” Spike let his head droop.

“Stupid dragon.” Bloodlust kicked the dragon off his sword and was met by Applejack and Pinkie Pie. “You two really want to mess with me?” He rolled his shoulders and cracked his neck. “Fine.”

Inside the castle, Flash had just finished up his fight with the assassin. “No more, nopony else dies.” Flash ran toward the door when a purple ball of energy appeared and then disappeared leaving behind Princess Twilight. “Princess, what are you doing here?”

“Thanks to Zecora, my neck will be fine but at the moment she is working on Princess Celestia. Now where is everypony?” Flash pointed out the door. Twilight grabbed one of the guards’ swords. She ran out the doors to see Spike to her left with a hole in his gut and Applejack and Pinkie Pie on the ground in front of her without their heads. “Spi, Apple, Pink, no.” Tears formed in her eyes, she couldn’t finish her friends’ names. She saw Bloodlust running toward her sister. “Oh no you don’t.” Twilight teleported right behind Bloodlust and ran him through the back of his head. Bloodlust had been too focused on his target to notice Twilight behind him. Twilight didn’t stop her assault though; she kicked him to the ground and continued to stomp on his body while cursing. Flash saw this and pulled Twilight back. “Let me go, let me go!” Twilight burst out into a tear jerking cry. Once she freed herself from Flash, she fell to her knees and cried out. The medics had arrived to take Cadance to the hospital and all Twilight could do was cry. Nopony but the medics had the strength to move.

Everything Changes

Twilight had one funeral for hundreds of guards and one funeral for Luna, Trixie, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Spike. She couldn’t be sure if her family were still alive. Everything he did was so fast, she couldn’t keep up and she blamed herself for it. She felt helpless and weak, what could she have done? Twilight asked herself this question over and over. She felt as though she had lost everything but she knew it wasn’t true but she also knew that there wasn’t a winner in this. She wanted so badly to blame Crush for everything, he had said that he should have had him killed long ago. Twilight was at a low point, the lowest of low points. “Goodbye my dear friends.”

There was a moment of peace and then Rainbow Dash had to speak up. At first it was nice but then Rainbow ticked of Twilight. “You were all great friends, so long. I’m sure you’ll be glad we won though, right Twilight?” Rainbow turned to face her friend but didn’t get the desired reaction. “You ok Twilight?”

“Won Rainbow Dash, really?” Rainbow Dash shrugged. “What about any of this makes you think that we won huh?”

“Twilight, Bloodlust is dead, we won. We don’t have to worry anymore.” Rainbow said casually like nothing bad had really happened.

“Hurray, we killed a killer but guess what Rainbow Dash, we lost how many ponies in the process of trying to kill one? How many Rainbow, tell me!” Twilight demanded but didn’t receive an answer. “We lost friends and family. You act like Applejacks, Pinkie Pies, Luna’s, like all their deaths meant nothing. We won, no, we lost. If anything it was his victory over ours. For pony sake Rainbow Dash, do you think at all before you speak? To say we won is a mockery of those who died. We got screwed left and right Rainbow Dash. Princess Celestia, Cadance and I almost died without even putting up a fight. He wasted no time in trying to kill us all.” Rainbow opened her mouth to speak but Twilight wouldn’t let her. “Don’t, just don’t talk. Think about all we lost and tell me that we won.” Rainbow thought back to everything that happened but couldn’t come up with anything to say, she felt guilty now. “That’s what I thought, think before you talk Rainbow, I know you would hate to say something stupid.”

At that moment, Celestia walked up to her with a gentle smile. “Twilight, you should rest. You’ve been through so much already, you must be tired.” Celestia was determined to get Twilight to relax and calm down before she did something dumb. “I will speak with Rainbow Dash, you go rest. I’ll let you know when Cadance wakes up.” Twilight nodded and retreated to her home. It had taken all day to get the funerals ready and the rest of the night just to take care of everything else.

Twilight looked back before she went too far and looked at Rainbow Dash. “I’m sorry Rainbow, Celestia is right, I’m exhausted. Goodnight everypony.” Twilight returned home ready to hit the hay and cry a bit but she couldn’t, cry that is. She had run out of water, she was dehydrated and she could feel it. She was shaky and her stomach felt like she would puke at any moment. “Spike, never mind.” Twilight opened up the door to the library and headed straight for the kitchen and grabbed some water. After a few sips of water, her head began to pound. She had the biggest bags under her eyes and Rarity was the first to point it out earlier that day.

Twilight looked around and saw images of her friends all talking and laughing. There right in front of her was Spike. Twilight knew that she was hallucinating but it still brought a smile to her face. Spike even spoke in a faded voice. “Hey Twilight, you should come join the party. Pinkie can really throw them huh?”

Twilight shook her head clear and looked over at the table where she used to write her reports to Celestia. She walked over, grabbed a quill off the table and began to write in her diary.

Dear Diary,

I have had one heck of a time with trying to kill Bloodlust. He is dead now, yay, I suppose. Sweetie Belle and Crush went home with Sweetie Belle broken in every way but spirit, she will be fine though I couldn’t care less about myself right now. I guess that I

Twilight gave up trying to write and put the quill down. It wasn’t the same without knowing Spike would try and take a peak at it. Nothing mattered to her anymore or at least not at the moment. She was too tired to care and too sad to want to. Twilight turned and bumped the table as she made her way up the stairs. As soon as her head hit the pillow, she fell asleep.

Unknown to Twilight, she had knocked over a candle when she bumped her table. Once ponies around town saw that the library was on fire, they tried everything they could to put it out. By the time it was out, it was too late. Lying on the upstairs bed was Twilight burnt to a crisp and an owl that had it’s talons in her mane. Nothing survived the fire and Twilights family except for Cadance broke down in tears once the news reached them. Cadance was still asleep.

Three years later, things had changed in one way or another. Rainbow Dash began to keep herself so busy with the wonderbolts that she didn’t have time to think. She cut herself off from Scootaloo which sent the filly into a depression. Scootaloo tried to stay happy but she couldn’t be. She began to try harder and harder to fly just so that she could at least have a chance with the wonderbolts. It wasn’t to be though, all her work led her to think one thing. If she jumped from really high, her adrenaline might kick in and allow her to fly but that failed in the worst way. What made things even worse was that Rainbow Dash didn’t even know that Scootaloo had ended up killing herself trying to fly. Who knows if it would have effected her though since they never saw each other.

Rarity and her family moved in with Sweetie Belle and Crush never wishing to return to Ponyville again. The memories were too much for her. She couldn’t have that, especially with a foal on the way. She wasn’t the only one, Sweetie had a foal of her own a year after she recovered. Her and Crush led the Changelings in peace and harmony.

Big Mac took over the farm after Granny Smith passed away of old age and Apple Bloom went her own way. Bic Mac didn’t keep the farm for very long though. He and Fluttershy married and moved away from Ponyville. Fluttershy couldn’t stand being there and Big Mac had a hard time as well. They couldn’t bare to raise foals in a place that now only held bad memories. Apple Bloom went onto a singing career which surprised everypony. She was a depressing singer, only singing of loss and of hate. She dressed in black all the time and was always too depressed to care about anypony. Even when Big Mac and Fluttershy told her about their foal, she shrugged it off and said ‘Big deal, she or he will eventually die, we all do. Life is pointless.’ That upset the two but Apple Bloom didn’t care.

Celestia held up the best she could but it wasn’t easy. She stayed strong in front of others most of the time but sometimes, she had to let it out and cry. She had to spread her guards thin and so only one ever stayed near.

Cadance and Shining had a few foals of their own. Twilight Velvet and Night Light stayed with them at the castle but it wasn’t easy. They had all taken Twilight’s death hard including Cadance once she found out. Shining had taken it the hardest though being closer to Twilight then any of them.

Flash Sentry watched over Cadance and Shining and it was hard. He had fallen for Twilight but he still had his duties. Every now and then, he would take time off to just think and Cadance and Shining were happy to let him.

Mayor Mare now ran an almost empty town. Rarity’s boutique had been abandoned and left to decay. The building had been boarded up and condemned yet she couldn’t bring herself to tear it down. There was a dead tree where the library used to be and Sweet Apple Acres was dead. Most of the ponies had left Ponyville and those that stayed were upset or depressed. Mayor Mare was happy to know that the cakes left once Ponyville fell apart. Sugarcube Corner was in the same shape as Rarity’s boutique. There was no telling what the inside of those buildings looked like.

As for the book of legends, it was burned by Sweetie Belle never to be seen again.

Lazy Night

“Princess Twilight Sparkle, I must talk with you.” Princess Celestia walked into the library, her face filled with curiosity. “Twilight, why would you marry Sweetie Belle and Crush, they are still young, almost too young.”

Twilight groaned but she couldn't say that this topic surprised her. She had expected it to come up at some point. True that the two are just out of reach of marrying age but it was for the best. She had her fears of Crush ruling by himself and those fears were confirmed as she ran off with Greyfire. Chrysalis had said something about being alone and what it drove her to do. Twilight hadn't heard the entire sentence but she had heard enough. “I know your concerns Princess Celestia, but it was a necessary marriage. Believe me, if they didn't like each other so much, I wouldn't have married them or pushed it.” Twilight explained somewhat.

“That doesn't make me feel better, you asked me to let you marry them and I agreed but you have yet to tell me the reason.” Celestia tapped her hoof awaiting an answer.

“I didn't think that you needed to know every reason I have for doing things. I thought you trusted me enough to know that I know what I’m doing but if you must know then fine. It’s because of what Chrysalis said to me on the way back to the library. Something about being alone. I suppose it was actually more of a yell but regardless. I fear that if I allowed Crush to rule on his own that he would turn into another Chrysalis if you will.” Twilight left the room for a moment, came back with two cups of tea and offered one to Celestia which she gladly took. “I didn't want the two kingdoms at odds again and I believe that giving Sweetie Belle to them would keep that from happening. Not only that but she loves Crush to death as you have noticed.” The two thought back at that day in the hospital but shook themselves from their thoughts.

“So this is all about keeping peace then; that, though honorable, is not a good enough reason. I never thought that you of all ponies would have even considered it.” Celestia only saw a smirk on Twilight's face. “Is there more to it than that?”

“Of course there is, I’m not stupid. I did a lot of thinking and it became clear to me, Sweetie would go with or without my permission or anyponies for that matter. I've seen her just disappear days and then found her with Crush. Every time she would disappear and eventually I knew exactly where she was. Granted it didn't take long for me to figure it out. As the year went on, I heard Sweetie talking with Crush. I heard her say that she would go with him. That’s when I began thinking; it’s far too dangerous for her to just go away with him. I thought long and hard about this and I came to a few conclusions. Not only would their marriage keep peace between us and the changelings but between Sweetie Belle and my friends and I. It would also keep Sweetie Belle out of trouble not only with herself but with her sister and some moral things as well. I know that Sweetie will be happy living with Crush. Trying to keep her away could possibly cause a bigger problem then just being disobedient. I feared that she may do something drastic with the way that she spoke.”

“I see, I suppose that you did the right thing. I will be on my way then but for the record, I never meant to insinuate that you were stupid.” Celestia turned and walked away but not before one final thing. “On a side note, I have sent you a visitor. He should be here any moment.” Before Twilight could ask who it was, Celestia was gone.

“Who could she have possibly sent and why?” Just then there was a knock at the door. “That must be him.” Twilight let out a big yawn and opened the door revealing a guard. “I take it Princess Celestia sent you?”

The guard saluted Twilight. “Yes Princess, I’m your personal guard. I know it’s late but I thought I would come by and introduce myself. My name is Flash Sentry, I’m a new guard and Princess Celestia thought it would be a good idea for me to work for you.”

“I apologize but I had no idea up until a few moments ago that you were coming and so I don’t have a place for you to stay. I assume Princess Celestia has something ready for you elsewhere?” Twilight yawned and felt the cold night air blow in through the door making her shiver.

“Yes I do have a place ready and I’m very sorry for disturbing your evening Princess, I see that you’re tired, I’ll let you sleep.” Flash turned and walked away.

“Goodbye Flash.” Twilight shut the door and headed toward her bedroom. After the cold breeze, all she wanted to do was warm up in her bed but she kept thinking about Flash. “I should have at least let him in while we spoke, surely he was cold.” She stretched out and yawned again. “I’ve never been so tired before.” She got in bed, covered up and immediately fell asleep.

Flash made his way to the hotel that Celestia had set up for him to stay in. It had been a long day and though he didn’t look it, he was exhausted. That wasn’t good for a guard to be so tired, it meant that his awareness was most likely off and that wasn’t good. A guard must always be aware of everything around him but of course with so little problems, it didn’t seem like a big issue. That was his first mistake; he made it to the hotel and since he didn’t hear the hoof steps behind him, he found his world going dark without knowing the reason. “Sorry guard, I need to get close to the princess in order to find that book.” The Changeling copied Flash and then hid the body. “Tomorrow I find that book.” The changeling walked into the hotel and took Flashes place

Author's Note

I will not be updating as fast as I did with my previous story. The sequel is something that didn't make it onto fanfiction and so I still have to do some writing. I will try to update at least once a week.

Memories

A brown caped blue pony, wandered into the Everfree Forest. The pony’s horn glowed giving off a blue light, the forest too dark to see with the naked eye. Once the pony found nopony behind her she took off for the hut a certain zebra lived in. She was hurried a lot by fear after hearing about Bloodlust. She knew that she would have to fight and possibly die but death wasn’t what worried her. No, it was the worry for her friend. If Bloodlust got to Zecora before she could, she feared the worst would happen. The unicorn quickened her pace and in short time, reached the hut. Through the window, Zecora could be seen working. The unicorn gave a sigh of relief and walked over to the front door and knocked. “Come in.” The door opened and the blue pony walked in and took off her brown cape. “Trixie, good to see you.”

“Likewise my friend, I feared you may have died before I could arrive.” Trixie hung up her cape and sat down on a stool. “It’s also nice to hear you speak normally.”

“It’s nice for me as well to see you not be angry with Twilight.” Zecora gave Trixie a cup of tea which she gratefully took. “You have done well to hide yourself from everypony.”

“I wish I could say that I was proud of it. I can’t say that I enjoy torturing Twilight and her friends. I suppose its best for them all though.” Trixie took a sip of the tea and smiled. “As good as always my friend.”

“Thank you and you’re right but I don’t think that keeping this secret will do them much good anymore.” Zecora frowned and Trixie joined in with a frown of her own. “Now that evil has found him, our friends will only be safe if we reveal ourselves.”

Trixie looked out the window and then back at Zecora. “I admit it; you’re right as always Zecora. For so long we’ve kept this a secret with me having to hurt others.” Trixie let a small tear slip. “Technically I didn’t have to hurt others but that is what happened and I can’t change what I did. I can only make up for it.”

“Yes, why did you decide that path Trixie?” Zecora took a sip of her tea and waited for her friend to answer.

“I didn’t necessarily choose that path Zecora, it was an unintended path. You know that I couldn’t use my real magic; it would have revealed some things about me. I had to pretend to be a showmare and as such I had to work and possibly make up some stories. I made a decent living out of it too until Princess Twilight showed me up and turned me into a laughing stock. Snips and Snails didn’t help with that by bringing an ursa minor to town. I should have studied up more on creatures. After that, I had to work on a rock farm just to get by. I can’t believe everypony took me seriously though, I entertained and stories were a part of that. Once my job was blown, I did lose myself ever so slightly. I grew angry with Twilight and the two dolts who admire me for some reason.” Trixie frowned and turned away.

“So you used the Alicorn amulet to get revenge?”

“Yes and no Zecora. I knew that it would give me the power to humiliate the three, mostly Twilight, and keep our secret a secret. I didn’t realize however that it would corrupt me; I hadn’t intended any of that. I had to apologize after that. I wish that my life had turned out differently but now there is no harm in showing our true selves.” Trixie sipped some more tea and then set the cup down.

“I can’t say that my rhyming all the time has been easy at least not at first. Still yours has been harder. It’s too bad about you and Twilight being enemies, I’m sure that you two would have been great friends. You’re both talented with magic and I’m sure that Princess Celestia would have gladly taken both of you in.” Zecora set down her now empty cup and the two just sat there, remembering how this all started.

Filly Trixie ran around her yard playing with a blue ball of hers when the ball went flying through the air. “My ball!” Trixie screamed as it began rolling down the streets of Manehattan. Trixie ran after it and just as she was about to get her ball back, she bumped into a striped pony. “Excuse me.” Trixie tried to push past nicely but the pony stopped her.

“I believe this is yours?” The striped pony said. “I’m Zecora, who are you?” Zecora asked with a smile.

“I’m Trixie, Trixie Lulamoon. You want to come play with me?” Zecora nodded and went with Trixie to go play with her ball. The two had been playing for hours when Trixie’s mother called her in for lunch. “You want to come eat; I’m sure mommy wont mind.” Zecora nodded and followed Trixie inside. Once they were around the table, Trixie found that she had a question to ask. “Mommy and daddy, can my new friend Zecora come on our trip with us?” Trixie asked with big pleading eyes.

“I’m sure she can if it’s ok with her parents.” Trixie’s mother said with a smile.

“I’ll go ask right now.” Zecora jumped up off the chair she had been sitting on and ran out excitedly.

Zecora had been allowed to go with the family. She had actually asked her aunt and uncle as her parents were in Appleloosa. The two fillies’s played and laughed inside the train. After a few hours, the group finally arrived in Appleloosa. The two fillies ran off ahead of Trixie’s parents as Trixie showed off her magical talents. The four went to a motel and checked in. “Ok girls, go to our room, we’re going to go meet up with some archeologists.” The two girls went to the room excited.

“You know what Trixie, my parents are probably the archeogolists that your mommy and daddy are going to go see.” Zecora said with a smile.

“That is so cool.” Trixie said tackling her friend and hitting her with pillows. The two had been playing like this for hours when there was a knock on the door. Trixie cautiously answered and in walked two royal guards. “Hello, did we do something?” Trixie asked frightened of the two large stallions in front of her.

“You are Trixie and Zecora correct?” The two fillies nodded and the two guards teared up a little. “It’s hard to say but I’m afraid that we must tell you that your parents died in a horrible accident. Do you have anypony you can stay with?” The two fillies looked to each other. Trixie shook her head and Zecora nodded.

After a day of preparing, Trixie had gotten her and Zecora ready to go back to Manehatten when a big purple flash blinded them and a rather dark pony appeared. “Who are you?” Trixie backed away from the dark pony.

“I am the outsider and both of you have suffered a great deal.” The pony then raised his hoof into the air and both fillies collapsed onto the ground and blacked out but could still hear the outsider speak. “I have given you both a great gift; let’s see how you use it.” The outsider disappeared as the two guards ran in.

“That was a horrible time for us both but not as bad as the after affect.” Trixie sighed.

“Yes, it wasn’t pleasant, the reason for hiding.” Zecora sipped her tea.

Trixie and Zecora were running around in a secluded area. They had been given powers a few days ago and the single mark on their flanks was the symbols of that power. The two had been practicing with their powers since they acquired them. They were good, really good, naturally good. It was fun and exciting but also saddening. They only had this power because they had lost their parents. They enjoyed it though and they were happy for the most part until it happened. “Zecora, look at me!” Trixie used her blink ability and jumped into a tree facing away from her friend. When she turned back, a pony had grabbed Zecora from behind. “Let her go you big bully.” Trixie blinked back to her friend and kicked the pony away.

“We want the power, where is it?” The pony was dressed in black and held a knife in his hoof. Ponies came from behind him ready to attack the two fillies.

“Leave us alone.” Zecora squeaked. The group of ponies didn’t leave, they did just the opposite. The group of ponies attacked the two and they had no choice but to defend themselves. Using their powers, they killed every single pony. Blood covered the ground and it scared them. The two friends ran off into the Everfree Forest terrified.

They came to a hut and ran inside. The door wasn’t locked and the hut was abandoned. They had to rest and so they did so in the hut after using so much energy. “We killed them, we are bad ponies.” Trixie began to cry but Zecora hugged her to try and give some comfort.

“No we are not Trixie, they attacked us remember? We had to defend ourselves.” The sound of hoof steps running by could be heard just outside the hut. The two fillies cuddled close afraid of what would happen. “Trixie, we have to disguise ourselves. We can’t let anypony know about the power that we have. Ponies know us and there was one pony who escaped. He is sure to tell others about us. I suppose that I can change the way I speak, such as rhyming I suppose would not be too uh…bleak. I will work on it and I will cover up my mark. What will you do my friend that is blue? That works right?”

“I suppose that once I find my cutie mark, it will hide my mark but I’m sure that I will be recognized. Perhaps I can be a performer and do magic tricks. Yeah, and I’ll wear a cape and wizards hat. I can make bits that way. Lets make a deal, we stay together until we are old enough to go on our own. What do you say?”

“Yeah, lets do that. Friends forever and if we need anything, we can always go to each other.” The two shook hooves and hugged.

“The second part of that promise was forgotten until now. I’m just glad that my stripes covered up my mark and hid it well.” Zecora put a hoof on Trixie’s shoulder and smiled. “We killed a few ponies that saw us using our powers and wanted it for themselves. We couldn’t let them go find the outsider; we had to keep the legend a legend. We had to change ourselves and give no hint of the legend.” Trixie smiled and then noticed that time stopped. “He is here.” Just then the door broke down.

“Hello girls!” The two ponies rushed Bloodlust determined to kill him and vica-versa.