My Little Pony: Shadows of the Two Kingdoms

Chapters

A Kingdom Fractured
The Ruby Kingdom
A Kingdom Torn Asunder
Journey Through the Shrouded Lands
Sins of the Past
Snatch and Grab

A Kingdom Fractured

It was during the early years of Equestria when one of the first kingdoms was created. Far to the south, this kingdom was merely a small village at one time, and under the guidance of Princess Crystilia, a proud mare with a skin tone like golden fire and a mane of dark purple, and it seemed as though the stars had colored it that way. She led her village with a proud heart and a powerful will and it soon blossomed into one of Equestria’s first kingdoms. It was called Latria and was a beautiful city, bearing host to every kind of pony unicorns, pegasi, and earth ponies. All three races of ponies lived in harmony, and everything was perfect. Soon, the princess and her mate had two unicorn children, a colt and a filly. The young filly had dreams of one day being a princess; while the colt had dreams of being a noble knight standing beside his princess, ready to protect her until the end.

One fateful day, 15 years later, tragedy struck the kingdom. The Princess fell terribly ill and passed away, leaving the kingdom without a beacon of courage and strength. The young daughter was tasked with the control of Latria until a new Alicorn princess was found, but the roots of hate and jealousy had been planted in the young mare’s heart years earlier, and she knew she could never hope to become princess permanently. She vowed not to give up the throne. The young stallion, Princess Crystilia’s only son, when asked, refused to help lead the city, and so, he instead set out to find a new alicorn princess, one with a strong heart and powerful will, like his mother had, for he alone knew of the darkness that lay dormant within his younger sister. Far from the beautiful kingdom where he grew up, in a small town called Sunburrow, he discovered the alicorn he’d been hoping to find. Her name was Ruby Heart, and she was a mare with a rose-colored coat and a twinkling mane of crimson that shined with bright white stars. She wasn’t an experienced leader, but the stallion knew her heart was pure and there was a deep fire burning within her.

They returned to Latria after only a few years to find the kingdom shrouded in a terrible darkness. It was the stallion’s sister. She had gained incredible power since he had left; the stallion and the new princess entered the once beautiful kingdom, only to find his sister sitting atop the throne. “So brother you have returned with your little squeeze to take my throne, have you?”

“Sister! This is madness! What you have done? Can’t you see this is not how a kingdom is to be ruled!” the strong stallion shouted.

“If you are so intent on spreading your petty love and compassion, you will have to tear my throne from me,” the power hungry sister said with a laugh and a sneer.

“Dearest sister, you know I will not fight you. We are blood!”

“I wasn’t talking to you fool, I was speaking to your little mare friend.”

“No this is between you and me a...” the stallion stopped, realizing that Ruby Heart had stepped in front of him.

“So, you think it is right what you are doing? You think to spread fear and chaos over this kingdom, to lead it to ruin is your goals!” The young princess says in a thundering voice.

“You dare to challenge my rule, to question my power!” The young sister says defiantly as she brandishes her horn. A flash of light erupts, streaming straight for Ruby Heart. An explosion of dust and debris follows from the magical arrow.

The dust clears away and the young alicorn princess is still marching forward towards the younger sister. “Your power is weak little one, for the powers of love and compassion shield me from your twisted black magic.” Ruby Heart continues to march forward as magical bolt after bolt bounces away and off her rose colored skin as her mane twinkles in the moonlight rays coming through the windows of the great hall. “Your brother sought me out on his own initiative, he told me of the darkness that slumbers within his dearest sister, now that darkness has escaped and you have revealed your true motives to all of Latria, Diamond Dust!” Diamond Dust glares with a look of disbelief “How is this possible?” she shouts.

Ruby Heart breaks into a swift stride and stops before the throne, her mane glinting and her eyes narrowed with a look of pure fire. “Because, love and compassion is stronger than any spell, Diamond Dust, and your brother’s love defends me from any twisted spell you dare conjure, while my love will defend him from any harm you intend to him.”

“We shall see.” Diamond Dust leaps off the throne and brandishes a magical bolt directly at her own brother. Ruby Heart leaps in with a spell of her own ready to be cast “You shalt not touch him.” Both mares’ horns locked, fighting for ground. Diamond Dust’s older brother comes charging in to attempt to help his loved one and brandishes his horn against his sister. Diamond Dust, fearing the worst, releases a powerful black aura from her horn.

The black Aura seems to grow in intensity as minutes of fighting pass. The older brother brandishes his own aura spell, as does the young princess the three magical auras together begin to combine becoming so bright with such burning intensity that an overload of magical power could happen at any moment. A large beautiful tri-colored blast radiates across the city as the castle collapses in on itself. Ponies on the streets look up in awe and wonder what has happened in the heart the kingdom.

When the smoke and rubble clear Diamond Dust is nowhere in sight, “She’s gone.” the older brother said to his princess. “So what now?” “We rebuild the city, make repairs, and improve it, also we need to prepare ourselves in case Diamond Dust ever returns.” Ruby Heart says in a soft loving tone. “Have the unicorns begin work on something to protect our beautiful city and don’t fear for your sister. She will see the light and remember who she really is in time, my love.”

“And so, even though the brother never saw his sister again, he has kept a close eye on the horizon, hoping to see her appear over the hill and return to the kingdom of Latria, now known as Rubia, for it is her one true home.” Twilight Sparkle finishes the book and sets it aside peering around the room at the five ponies staring at her mouths dropped open in awe. “What, it’s just an old ponies tale.” She says with a smile.

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The Ruby Kingdom

“Well girls what did you think of the Rubia Legend.” Twilight said with a smile. All five mares turn their heads back and forth looking at each other repeatedly. Naturally it was Pinkie Pie who spoke up first unable to control her excitement any longer “It was GREAT! WASN’T IT THE MOST WONDERFULLY WONDERFUL LEGEND EVER!” The pink mare shouted out loud as she bounced around the room, her hair bobbing up and down in sync with her body. Rainbow Dash the colorful cocky mare stood up second. “It was pretty awesome not as awesome as me, but still cool though.” Rainbow says as her powerful wings pick her up off the ground and back into the air. “I’m just glad to get off that floor and be back in the air again.” Twilight glances around the room hoping to see any more happy faces.

“What did you think Rarity?”

“ It was a lovely story darling.”

“Were you even listening?”

“Darling of course I was, it was a wondrous tale.” Rarity said adjusting her hair and pressing on her portable pillow before lying back down.

“Ok then, Fluttershy, how about you?” Twilight asked with a hopeful grin. “Um well, it was great Twilight. It was very nice of you to share it with us, that is if every pony else is in agreement, but if not that’s ok too.” Fluttershy said in her usual quiet, kind voice. Twilight, scanning the room one final time, sees only one mare that hasn’t yet commented on the legend she read. “Applejack, what did you think of the legend?”

“Um well, it was fine.”

“AJ you’ve never been a good liar. What did you think of it and only give me the honest truth.”

“Oh, alright then, ah didn’t much care for it.”

“What, why not?”

“Twi, you know ah don’t believe in old legends. The story was nice and all, but ah just don’t believe in legends all that much.”

Just as the other ponies were about to leave the library a large multi-colored flash of light began to encircle the room and with a small burst of magic, a scroll appearing with a golden seal attached to it keeping the delicate scroll from becoming unrolled. The six ponies formed a circled around it. “What is it?” Rarity asked with slight concern. The other ponies merely shook their heads, except for Pinkie Pie. “Hmmmmm looks like a piece of PAPER!” Pinkie hollered with excitement. Twilight merely rolled her eyes before a violet aura surrounded her horn, as she used her magic to lift the scroll up. With a small burst of light from her horn the golden seal was broken. Twilight unrolled the scroll slowly, scanning each and every word carefully. “It’s a letter from Princess Celestia.” Twilight says excited, yet puzzled. “Strange, it’s not like any other letter she has ever sent me, it just appeared.” Rainbow, eager to hear the news, quickly spoke up after a few minutes of silence.

“Well what does it say?”

“Yeah don’t keep us in suspense, sugar cube.” Applejack says politely, joining Rainbow’s side.

“All right I’ll read it.” Twilight says holding the letter up.

Dearest Twilight Sparkle,

I’m sure you have many questions regarding the state of this message and the way it was sent to you. More will be explained once you arrive in Canterlot. There is a dire situation that needs immediate attention and it may be bigger than us all.

Sincerely, Princess Celestia

“Strange for the princess not to send her letter through Spike.” Twilight thought to herself. Just then, Twilight noticed a mysterious symbol on the bottom right hand corner of the scroll “Girls, look at this.” Twilight said urgently causing her friends to gather around. “What is that?” Fluttershy asked in a hushed tone. As the six ponies began to look closer at the symbol it began to change colors, first violet, then orange, then pink, then red, then blue, and lastly purple. The symbol began to split into individual smaller symbols and divide into all the previous colors. Soon the symbols, spinning wildly, spread outward slammed into each pony causing them to vanish one by one.

When each pony finally regained her senses, they realized exactly where they were. “We’re in CANTERLOT!” Rarity cheered with excitement. “I don’t understand! How did we get here?” Twilight looked around in confusion. “Hm Hm that was the easy part,” giggled a powerful voice they knew too well. “Princess Celestia,” said each pony, bowing before the beautiful princess of the Sun.

“Oh princess I have a ton of questions.” She started to fire off her questions, eagerly hoping for an explanation, but before Twilight could ask one question Princess Celestia spoke up in a powerful yet calm voice, “I’m sure you’re wondering why you are here, and how you all got here so quickly. The six of you are here because Equestria needs your help in a kingdom far to the south. A kingdom named Rubia.” Rainbow, with a smirk on her face, bumped Applejack in the shoulder with her hoof.

“You see, my little ponies, Rubia is being threatened by an ancient evil that threatened it many a year ago. The princess and her mate are doing everything within their power to keep this evil out of the city. I need the six of you to travel to Rubia immediately and assist in any way you can at driving this darkness back.”

“But princess that’s just an old pony tale! I mean, it’s not real is it?” Twilight asks in a worried tone.

“It’s very real my student. This evil, if its power grows too strong, could envelop and destroy all the light in Equestria, bringing everything to eternal ruin and shrouding the land in evil and darkness. My sister Princess Luna is in Rubia now to offer her support and keep the darkness at bay for as long as possible. You six know what you must do. I’ve organized a private train for you all. It leaves in 1 hour, so collect what you need. Equestria is counting on you six once again.” As the six ponies go to leave. Twilight turns back one last time “Princess how did you bring us to Canterlot so quickly?” the princess looks at Twilight and smiles “A powerful warp spell mixed with a sign that could only be activated by the six who could wield the elements of harmony.” Twilight turns away satisfied and her resolve set.

“All right girls run home, grab what you need, and meet at the train in 50 minutes. And Rarity?”

“Yes?”

“Don’t bring more than two bags this time.” Twilight says with a firm look as Princess Celestia uses her powerful magic to send them all back to Ponyville in a quick burst of light.

50 minutes passed all too quickly and soon enough the train was about to leave. “Is everypony ready?” Twilight asks hastily. “Oh yeah, let’s go!” everypony shouts in sync. They all boarded the train, and after only what seemed like a few seconds, the train left Ponyville station heading south towards the kingdom of Rubia.

The train ride seemed to take forever. Twilight couldn’t find any time for peace and quiet to think about everything the princess said, mostly because her friends thought were super excited about getting to go to a kingdom. Till now she had thought that all of it was just an old legend; the ancient evil the possible destruction of Equestria, and a kingdom’s safety possibly resting in their hoofs.

Twilight felt a little uneasy at the thought of it all. Sure they defeated Nightmare Moon, reformed Discord, and saved the Crystal Empire from the return of King Sombra, but this was something completely different and it worried her. Princess Celestia sounded truly afraid, making Twilight only wonder what they were going to be up against. Twilight continued to let her mind explore what dangers and possibilities were ahead of them, while her friends, seemingly without a care in the world, merely talked about what the kingdom would look like, what its inhabitants wore, and whether or not the kingdom had a wonderful princess.

After what seemed like an eternity, the train whistle blew, indicating they were nearing their long awaited destination. Everypony except for Twilight went racing to the windows to get a peek of the kingdom. All that was visible were enormous ornate marble buildings laced with what seemed to be silver and decorated with hints of different colored jewels. The train sped on, growing ever closer to the kingdom. The train soon screeched to a halt, and everypony slowly began making their way to the front of the train ,except for Pinkie who seemed ready to burst out of pure excitement.

“All right girls, are we all ready?” Twilight said passing each pony her saddlebags.

“Oh I’m so excited! This is just amazing amazing AMAZING!” Pinkie said finally letting out all of her pent up excitement and bouncing up and down uncontrollably. “I think we’re all set Twi.” Applejack said with a slight smile.

“Ok girls let’s go!” Twilight said flaring her wings as the train door opened up slowly revealing the wonders of the city before them.

A Kingdom Torn Asunder

The six ponies exited the train to behold the beautiful city of Rubia. Rarity’s eyes shined in disbelief at the fabulous city. The buildings were made of perfectly crafted white marble stone and outlaid in gorgeously cut rubies and garnets. The ponies that walked the streets looked proud and appreciated their city, without a hint of self-arrogance. The sky was a calming light blue with a few scattered, puffy clouds here and there.

“What could possibly be wrong with such a wonderful city?” Rarity asked her friends.

“Check out the weather, it’s nearly perfect. I wonder how many pegasi work on their weather team.” Rainbow noted.

Twilight walked forward and interrupted her friends. “I don’t know, but the princess sent us here for a reason and we have to find out why.”

The six ponies trotted off from the train station, searching for any possible reason for why they were called to this city. Each enjoyed a small piece of the city. Rarity wandered the dress shops in the market admiring each carefully made gown and dress.

“These dresses are immaculate and very well made. Why, their skill almost matches mine.” Rarity thought to herself as she observed several different multi-colored fibers being woven into intricate patterns and symbols. With a toss of her mane, she continued to trot down the fashion district.

Pinkie went straight to the candy and sweets part of the city. What she found almost brought her to screaming with excitement. Candy on every corner. Some she knew well, some she had never seen before. Pinkie hopped down the street wanting to taste them all. “What’s this?” Pinkie Pie asked a vanilla colored mare with a light green mane.

“That is one of our most delicate sweets in the city. It’s called a Rubia zapper, and they can only be found here in this city. Would you like to try one? They are free today.”

“OF COURSE!” Pinkie exclaimed almost bursting in happiness. She popped one into her mouth, and chewed it slowly. Pinkie Pie, being the candy and sweets master in Ponyville, tasted it carefully. The zapper had a tart taste but slowly changed to a sweet yet sour taste, and finally changing to a cool mint flavor that washed over Pinkie’s mouth. Pinkie swallowed it and continued to stare at the vanilla mare with a serious almost penetrating gaze. “That.... was.... AMAZING.” Pinkie yelled at the top of her lungs. “I’ll take twenty to go.” Pinkie said, grabbing two boxes and throwing six bits on the countertop. The vanilla colored mare laughed softly as Pinkie sped off down the street in full gallop.

Rainbow arrived at the clouds district to see just how the weather in this city was so perfect. Rainbow found the building she had been searching for the Pegasus Hub. It was a fairly large building, closely resembling her cloud home in Ponyville, and yet this building was far larger and had three rainbow falls spilling off the side. The huge rainbow falls spilled into a small pond of crystal clear water with a soft rainbow colored hue to it. Rainbow Dash rocketed through the skies reaching the building in only a few seconds. Rainbow walked in with a confident strut and spoke up without a hint of hesitation to a lone pegasus mare.

“I’m Rainbow Dash, greatest flyer in Ponyville and possibly the best flyer in Equestria. So how is the weather so perfect in this city? It’s almost as great as the weather I make in Ponyville.” When Rainbow had finished speaking, she was shocked to see the mare in the building was paying zero attention to everything she had just said.

“Hey, are you paying attention?” Rainbow asked with a slight bit of annoyance. The young mare turned around coming face to face with the proud rainbow maned pony. Rainbow could now fully make out all of the features of the mare she has been speaking to. The young pegasus had a softly colored sky blue coat that brought out the color of her white mane and tail highlighted with streaks of yellow colored lightning.

“Yes, I’ve heard of you and your tremendous ego.” The mare said with a smooth voice. “You’re Rainbow Dash, only pegasus to have ever successfully performed the Sonic Rainboom, and you dream of one day becoming a Wonderbolt. As for our weather, it is watched and attended to every day by the pegasi that work on our weather team. As for me, my name is Barrel Roll and it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Rainbow Dash was a bit bothered by Barrel Roll’s comment on her ego, but she quickly shrugs it off and continues to ask questions about the Rubia weather team.

Fluttershy had gone straight to the city gardens to relax and be where she felt she was most welcome. The gardens were a beautiful sight to behold small waterfalls flowed into miniature streams. The trees were trimmed perfectly and the hedges looked as though they were carefully maintained every day. The strange assortment of animals fascinated her. Animals she had never seen before roamed the gardens in the city. There were Crystal birds, an assortment of different colored bunnies, frogs of all shape, sizes, and shades of bright colors. “ None of the animals seemed bothered by what was going on. It’s almost like nothing is wrong.” Fluttershy thought to herself as she continued to walk through the gardens, listening to the animals for any sign of what could be wrong in the city

Applejack had somehow ended up in the armory district. She saw everypony working their hooves to the bone. Crafting armor sets; saddle mounted javelins, and blades that strap to the legs. Applejack walked into one of the random stores. “Ahfter noon. Do you know how to find the workers district of the city Ah seem to be a little lost?”

The stallion she was talking to simply glanced up and continued his smithing. “Well you don’t seem too lost to me. You’re in the workers district. The ponies in this city are excellent smiths, and we craft the highest grade tools in Equestria, for a fair price of course.” The stallion said in a deep scratchy voice. Applejack merely looked on in wonder, gazing into the bright forge as the stallion used the hammer-like horseshoes he was wearing to shape the tough piece of iron.

“Watcha makin’?”

“I’m making a new pair of iron bucking boots. Powerful enough to break a bone or two, maybe a skull if I’m lucky.”

“Can Ah watch?”

“Sure I don’t see why not. I’m always happy to teach other ponies in the fine art of smithing. So, what’s your name little lady.”

“Applejack, but my friends call me AJ.”

“Well Applejack, I’m Anvil Hooves. It’s nice to meet you.”

Twilight knew where she was going as soon as she got off the train. “Guess I’d better hit the books.” Twilight said to herself as she trotted off to find the nearest library.

Twilight stumbled upon a fairly large library just a few steps into the magical district “Ah here we go Legends, Histories, and Magical Theories.” With a big smile Twilight walked inside. The library was enormous, filled top to bottom with scrolls containing different catalogued spells and books holding hundreds of magical theories, and shelves upon shelves of history books and legends.

“Oh boy.” Twilight said with a sigh. Twilight went looking and after what seemed like fifteen minutes she found the book she was looking for. The book was titled The Dark History of Equestria: Forgotten Kingdoms. With a flash of violet light from her horn, the dust that had covered the book immediately dissipated. Twilight walked down to the lobby of the library and found an empty chair.

“Ok, time to study up.” She said with a grin, and using her magic to gently place her reading glasses on her face. “Let’s see what this city has suffered through in its past.”

Images of fire flashed through Twilight’s mind as armor was smashed, blood was spilled, and screams of death flowed over the burning landscape. Twilight looked around a look of sheer terror across her face as vague figures fought back and forth. The smell of fresh blood sifting through the air as the heat from the blazing fires increased traumatically. Twilight screamed for help, but nothing was heard as the black silhouettes turned from their victims and began to approach her with an increasing stride. Twilight tried to move, but an abyss like darkness kept her firmly locked in place. The shadows stopped a few meters away from her. They began to laugh, their ghostly voices piercing her ears like daggers truly a voice could never be more horrible or disturbing than this. The flickering pony-shaped shadows began to twitch and shake the shadows changed taking on silhouettes that looked all too familiar.They looked like her friends. The five false mares continued to laugh, almost bringing Twilight to tears. She wanted nothing more than for it to stop, to end, to all just go away. The shadows twitched and shuddered some more as they began to combine bodies, morphing into something out of nightmares. The beast the shadows morphed into was jet black with wisps of dark smoke seeping off it. The beast spread its wings and let out a roar so horrible it shook the ground Twilight stood on. The beast revealed teeth as sharp as swords and as jet black as its body. The creature reached for Twilight shouting only one word “Death!”

A loud slam tore Twilight from sleep. As she looked around she noticed the book that was in her lap was closed, at least three hours had passed. “Must have fallen asleep.” She said, her heart racing from the terror of the nightmare. “What a nightmare.” Twilight said finally calm enough to speak.

“Yes, it was.” A deep loving tone emanated from the corner of the library. Princess Luna stepped from the shadows with a look of great concern apparent on her face. A crimson colored stallion followed closely behind her equally sharing her distressed look.

“We are pleased to see that thou art ok Twilight Sparkle. Thou had us worried. We felt your fear and terror across the city, so we peered into your dreams. We were quite afraid for you. That wasn’t a normal nightmare thou had. No normal nightmare has a dark power like that, not even we had the power to banish thy terrible visions.” Luna spoke softly, her concerned look subsiding a bit as she motioned for Twilight to follow her. “Your friends are already at the capitol waiting. Princess Ruby Heart sent her guards to get them as soon as we felt the distress in your sleep.”

"Another princess?" The thought danced across Twilight’s mind. Just the thought of there being yet another princess in Equestria was quite mind numbing.

“That nightmare you had wasn’t any normal nightmare Twilight Sparkle. It was a vision of possible future events. Perhaps it was the darkness interacting with you, and wanting to consume you that caused it, though we are not sure.” Twilight looked around and realized it was the crimson colored stallion that had been speaking to her.

“So, you know my name, but I don’t know yours.”

“My name is Crimson Steel. I am Captain of the royal guard and life partner of the princess.”

“Wow, so the princess here is married. That sounds pretty familiar.” Twilight thought to herself as the trio made their way up the steps to the Rubia castle. The giant doors swung open revealing 5 smiling faces.

“TWILIGHT! I TASTED THE MOST DELECIOUS CANDY TODAY!” Pinkie Hollered unable to control her excitement as she polished off the second box of zappers she had bought.

“Well I saw the most beautiful dresses this afternoon.” Rarity said with a toss of her hair

“I met the most awesome weather team today. They were so cool.” Rainbow said failing to hide her excitement and trying to remain level headed.

“I walked through the most beautiful gardens today, and made friends with many new animals.” Fluttershy said in her usual quiet voice.

“Ah learned from a blacksmith how to smith metal, and ah got pretty good at it.” Applejack smiled pulling out a pair of well-crafted metal boots.

“Sounds like you girls had quite a day. I fell asleep at the library and had a nightmare which may or may not have tried to consume me.” Twilight said, the worry in her voice ever present. Her friend’s faces instantly shifted from excitement to fear and worry.

“Yes, she speaks the truth. This is a serious occurrence.” Luna said stepping forward.

“Truly we are in dire straits.” Said a smooth regal voice sounding through the Great Hall. A tall rose-colored alicorn stepped into the room.

“Ah, Princess Ruby Heart. A pleasure to see you again.”

“Likewise Princess Luna.” Ruby Heart said turning to address the six ponies standing by watching anxiously. “I’m sure you’re wondering why the six of you have been called here. You see, Equestria is under great threat. The Eternal Shadow has returned from its depths, and it’s more powerful than we feared it would be. I fear that is what you saw in your nightmare, Twilight Sparkle. This is why I contacted Canterlot immediately, and this is why Princess Luna is here. The Eternal Shadow has been crossing into the city, but only fragments are getting through. This is what is affecting the ponies’ sleep in the city. Princess Luna is the only one powerful enough to enter a pony’s dreams, and dispel the small fragments of Eternal Darkness. It’s getting worse too. I feel a ton of power is assembling, and I’m afraid this Eternal Darkness will attempt to attack the city. This is why I sent word to Princess Celestia, and asked her to send the wielders of the Elements of Harmony. We fear that the Eternal Darkness is using a young unicorn named Diamond Dust as its catalyst. That’s where I need your help, my little ponies. I need you to enter the Broken Kingdom and retrieve a statuette. This statuette is the second key to activating our defense against the Eternal Darkness, and it was stolen.” The young princess gazed across the room finally finished with her full explanation of the situation.

“Ok I don’t know about anypony else, but I have one little question. Who exactly is Diamond Dust?” Rainbow asked always eager for adventure.

“Diamond Dust is my younger sister.” The six friends looked around surprised to see it was Crimson Steel who had spoken up. “Princess, I wish to accompany them through the Shrouded Lands to the Broken Kingdom. I must confront my younger sister.”

“You know you don’t have to call me princess, love, we’ve been married well over three centuries now. No need to be formal. If you’re sure about going then you should, just be careful ok.”

“Aw yeah Mane six together again for another adventure!” Rainbow Dash said rocketing out of the Great Hall.

“Do whatever you need to prepare for tomorrow your journey begins, and it won’t be an easy one.” The princess said with a hopeful smile.

“Don’t worry princess we’ll get that statuette back, we won’t let the kingdom down. Alright girls let’s go.”

“Aw yeah!” The five the ponies yell.

Journey Through the Shrouded Lands

Each pony needed to prepare for the journey ahead. Twilight went back to the library to check out a few books before heading out, wanting something to do on the long journey ahead of them. Pinkie Pie had gone back and bought more candy for the trip. Rainbow had gone back to talk to the Rubia weather team one last time and received a few cool weather items called storm gems. Applejack went back to get in a few extra hours of smithing experience before having to leave. Fluttershy decided to walk through the city gardens one last time and said goodbye to all her new animal friends. Rarity traveled back to the fashion district, and bought some needles as well as a few spools of thread she had never worked with before to keep her busy. The next morning each pony gathered at the front gates, ready to leave. Crimson Steel was already there waiting when Twilight and her friends arrived. Each pony had their bags packed and ready to go.

Twilight noticed Crimson Steel had a much darker coat of red when she saw it in the sun. It was a deep dark red, and his mane was black as night.

“Is everypony ready? This is going to be a long journey. The Broken Kingdom, as it’s known now, lies far west in the darkest part of Equestria, past the Shrouded Lands.”

“I think we are.” Twilight said confidently.

“Ah know Ah am.” Applejack said heartily.

“Of course.” Rarity pitched in

“Always ready for action.” Rainbow said with excitement.

“I guess so.” Fluttershy said quietly.

“Yes INDEEDY.” Pinkie said bouncing a few times.

“Ok let us be off then. Open the gates.” Crimson Steel commanded two guards.

The giant iron gates slowly swung open carrying with them the slight screech of the hard metal hinges moving. The seven ponies set out west to the Shrouded Lands.

The seven ponies traveled for hours. Hours turned into days, and days turned into weeks. “And that’s how we defeated Discord.” Rainbow said cutting a few aerial flips.

“Intriguing. Sounds like the six of you have been through quite a lot.” Crimson Steel said holding his serious posture and continuing to trot on. “We will set up camp here for the night.” Crimson Steel said dropping his bags.

“Exactly how far away are these Shrouded Lands?” Applejack asked, her hooves aching from the long travel.

“Shouldn’t be much more than another day’s walk.” Crimson Steel replied setting up a cooking pot with magic and unrolling a bedroll along the ground. “Gather 'round. Before we get there a few things need to be explained.” Each pony gathered around, all more interested in the things they had brought with them, besides Twilight who, as always, was listening intently. “Nopony has ever entered the Shrouded Lands and come out to tell the tale. To this day we have no idea what lies ahead, let alone what lies inside the Shrouded Lands. Everypony just stay together, and do not trust the fog.” Each pony nodded her head nervously.

“Hey, Crimson what exactly are these things?” Rainbow asked flying over handing over the storm gems that were given to her by the Rubia weather team.

“These are what we call storm gems Rainbow. Each one holds the power of a weather pattern. From fog, to thunder storms, to lightning, even tornadoes. Whatever you do don’t break one unless it’s necessary. Breaking one will cause the captured storm to be released.”

“Seriously? That is awesome!” Rainbow said marveling at the collection of storm gems she held

“Since we are discussing things, what exactly is a Dova? I read it in the Forgotten Kingdoms book I brought with me.” Twilight said unrolling her bedroll.

“A Dova is ancient pony Norse for dragon. Legend tells of a hero who was pony, but had the soul of a dragon. This hero saved Equestria thousands of moons ago, from a black dragon known as the World Eater.”

I really think we should all be going to bed. I mean early to bed, early to rise after all. Unless of course the rest of you don’t want to which is perfectly fine to me.” Fluttershy said with an apologetic smile.

“Yes, I agree dears. We need our beauty sleep after all.” Rarity said stacking up two bedrolls and placing three pillows on top of the bedrolls. “What? You don’t expect me to go to bed uncomfortable do you?”

“No of course we don’t.” Rainbow said, the sarcasm apparent in her tone. Rarity snorted in annoyance making everypony laugh as the light from the fire flickered ever aimlessly into the cool calm night.

The sun rose, and gleamed only slightly over the horizon. The seven ponies were so far out west the sun shined barely any light upon their journey. After half a day’s walk the ponies arrived in front of a dark grey fog that blanketed everything in sight. A lonely sign read:

Shrouded Lands: Lands of the Accursed. If thou art not cursed then turn back. Else be haunted by the eternal hollows that dwell within.

“What does that mean?” Twilight asked calmly

“It is a warning. The Shrouded Lands are an ancient ruin said to house spirits that hunt and prey on those who aren’t cursed like they are.” Crimson Steel said, staying cool.

“Is there a way around? I’d really rather not go in there.” Fluttershy said, her whole body shaking nervously.

“I wish.” Crimson Steel said with a sigh. He pulled out a silver lantern with a violet colored band around the top.

“What is that?” Twilight asked eyeing the strange lantern curiously.

“This is a soul lantern. If we stay within the light that it emits when it’s lit, it will give us the aura of being cursed and the spirits will keep away. Just be careful. If you stray from the light you will be immediately attacked both physically and mentally by the hostile spirits that dwell here.”

Each pony gulped, just the thought of something dwelling in that place that they couldn’t see or know when it was around put even Rainbow Dash on edge. Crimson Steel lit the soul lantern with a white flash of light from his horn, and each pony entered the dark grey fog.

The fog parted aside making way for the seven ponies as they walked through the Shrouded Lands. With a loud swoosh the fog closed behind them blocking their exit.

“Well, that’s comforting.” Rainbow said, continuing to walk forward constantly watching the dim purple glow from the lantern.

“Everypony stick together, don’t stray off. There is something more at work here.” Crimson Steel said to the others.

The fog around the ponies suddenly whipped up into frenzy swirling and whipping about it blasted out in every direction, throwing each pony into the ruins, separating them from each other.

“Ugh my head, what happened?” Rainbow asked the empty nothingness of the Shrouded Lands around her.

“Rainbow Dash.”

“What? Who said...?”

“Raaainbow Dash.” The wispy voice said again with a giggle.

“Ok, this isn’t funny. Show yourself before...”

“Before what? Surely you wouldn’t hurt your old friend.”

A grey toned pony with a yellow mane stepped from the fog. The unmistakable eyes immediately caught Rainbow Dash off guard.

“Derpy? Is that you? How are you here?”

“Why does it matter how I’m here? I just am.”

Rainbow Dash looked off to think about just how Derpy of all ponies could be in a place like this.

“Stay with me Rainbow Dash.”

Rainbow was shocked at the sudden and strangely creepy question.

“Well Derpy it was nice seeing you, but I really need to find the others. So see ya.”

“You’re not leaving. I won’t let that happen, you will stay with me in the Shrouded Lands.”

Rainbow had the feeling something wasn’t right. How was Derpy able to speak so well?

“Yeeaaah look Derpy I’m gonna go now.”

“Guess I’ll have to kill you then.” Derpy mumbled.

The false Derpy began to shudder and twitch. The Eyes went solid black and all color left the fake mare leaving nothing left, but a pale ghostly figure. The ghost formed two spectral daggers from thin air and began slashing at Rainbow.

“Whoa get. Get the hell away from me.”

The ghost slashed again. This time one of the daggers found its mark cutting deep into Rainbow’s right wing.

“Aaaggghhh!” Rainbow yelled as the searing pain rushed through her body, and her right wing fell limp by her side. The smell of fresh blood scented the air. The ghost came at her again, this time catching her back left leg. Rainbow hollered as the pain grew stronger, her blood seeping across the black stone tiles of the ruins. Rainbow was in tears, knowing it was the end. The ghost attacked again. Rainbow closed her eyes to avoid seeing the final dagger blow.

“AAAAAGGGGHHHHH!” The ghost screeched loud as its form shifted and stretched.

“Be Gone!” Crimson Steel shouted at the screeching spirit. His horn flashed a bright white light, and the screeching ghost dissipated into nothingness.

“Rainbow Dash, are you ok?” Crimson Steel asked looking at her wounds concerned

“Yeah I’m fine, just a few scratches.” Rainbow said with a look of extreme pain as she rose to her hooves.

“Here let me.” Crimson Steel lowered his horn to Rainbow’s wounds. His horned glowed its bright white color, and the bleeding from the gashes in her wing and leg stopped.

“I can’t heal it completely, but at least I can stop the bleeding.”

A loud cry for help rang through the Shrouded Lands. Crimson Steel and Rainbow Dash moved towards the cries. Fluttershy was lying on the ground crying. Standing over her was a sinister Angel Bunny with pitch black eyes and teeth that look like they could tear through flesh, like a knife through butter.

“Be Gone.” Crimson Steel demanded the spirit pointing his horn at the dark Angel Bunny. A blast of light banished the dark spirit. It seemed like hours before Fluttershy was able to stand on her feet and walk. The trio headed deeper into the Shrouded Lands.

They found Pinkie Pie next. Her hair was deflated and her coat had lost all of its bright pink color. She looked pale. She was staring off into the void.

“Um Pinkie are you ok?” Fluttershy asked, still scared.

“Of course, I’m just enjoying this huge party.” Pinkie said in a zombie-like tone.

“Crimson Steel what’s wrong with her?” Rainbow Dash asked worried

“She is being taken.” Crimson Steel walked over and flashed the blinding light from his horn. Three hidden ghosts screeched in pain, then disintegrated.

“Huh? What happened?” Pinkie asked confused.

“We’ll tell you later.” Crimson Steel said.

“Heeeelp!” A loud cry rang through the shrouded lands.

“That sounded like Applejack.” Pinkie said.

The four ponies took off in the direction of the cries. A group of ghosts surrounded Applejack. They repeatedly changed forms, mimicking Applejack’s family members.

Applejack was crying now. “Just go away.” She pleaded.

Crimson Steel leaped in to defend Applejack from the dagger-wielding ghosts. “I banish you. Be gone.” An explosion of light from his horn caused the ghosts to screech and dissipate like the others.

“Th...Thanks.” Applejack said though heavy breathes. She had several small cuts along her body. She stood up weakly. “Let’s just get out of here.” Applejack said wiping the tears from her eyes. The ponies marched forward nearing the exit of the horrible ruins.

“WHAT HOW DARE YOU. DON’T TOUCH ME, I’M A LADY.” The demanding holler rang through the Shrouded Lands.

“That sounded like Rarity.” Applejack said.

The group of ponies trotted in the direction of the fashionista’s yells. Rarity looked as pale as Pinkie Pie. A twisted spirit of Sweetie Belle circled Rarity like a hungry shark.

“I banish you, accursed. Be gone.” Crimson Steel demanded the spirit.

The false filly lunged at Rarity. Attempting to take hold of her. A furious blast of light from Crimson Steel’s horned shattered the ghost causing it to disappear in agony.

“Ok where is Twilight?” Crimson Steel wondered to himself.

A dark looking Twilight stepped from the shadows, her eyes pitch black the other ghosts.

“Hello girls. Stay with us.” Twilight cooed.

The shock hit Crimson Steel like a ton bricks. “She has been taken," he said, pulling out a strange stone tablet bearing the image of a skull.

“What do you mean she’s taken?” Rainbow asked worried

“It means one of the spirits holds her soul. She isn’t Twilight now.” Crimson Steel walked forward and dropped the tablet at the cursed Twilight’s feet. The twisted Twilight spoke again

“I always did hate the five of you.” The shrill snakelike voice of the dark Twilight sent chills down everypony’s spine.

Crimson Steel broke the tablet releasing a white smoke that surrounded Twilight.

“What is this......YAAAARRRRGGGHHHHH.” The dark Twilight screeched in pain and agony as her form twisted up and bent. A loud blast of energy erupted from Twilight, and she collapsed.

“Is she alright?” Rarity asked in generous concern, yet also in fear and terror.

“She should be fine. No spirit can resist the binding power of a curse breaker tablet.” Crimson Steel said reassuring Rarity. Crimson Steel walked over, and lifted the incapacitated Twilight onto his back. “Come we must leave before the stronger spirits sense our presence.” Crimson Steel strained to keep the bright aura from his horn lit. Several dark figures watched the ponies head for the exit of the Shrouded Lands.

"Never Forget, Never Forgive."The shadows hissed through the fog.

The exit loomed in sight as each pony crossed through the white light, they were not greeted by the sun, but by a large moon spreading a soft glow on the land. The ponies got a few miles away from the Shrouded Lands before lighting a warm bonfire.

“That was insane.” Rainbow commented looking at the deep gashes in her wing and leg.”

“Truly it was.” Rarity agreed

“Yes, indeedy.” Not even Pinkie Pie could find the strength to muster a smile.

The dark silhouette of the Broken Kingdom cast a long shadow upon the night as each pony sat, sharing their experiences in the Shrouded Lands. Each pony looked up at the Broken Kingdom wondering what darkness lay within the dark walls.

Youtube Video

Sins of the Past

The sun set dimly on the horizon, casting a faint orange glow on the group of ponies as they sat around their fire. A faint, dark smoke wisped through the air giving an ominous feeling to the ancient kingdom that lay in shambles before them. A small group of weapons that Applejack had made for her friends lay stuck in the ground. The environment around them gave the feeling of the calm that happens before a great storm. Peaceful, yet deep destruction and evil seemed to be gnawing at their hooves. It was Rainbow Dash who finally broke the long silence.

“So, Crimson Steel, I know you volunteered to come along and everything, but who exactly are you. For the past couple of weeks that we have been on this journey you’ve said hardly anything at all. Frankly I’m wondering why you’re even here. Just who are you exactly, and what’s your stake in this?”

This question had been aching at Rainbow for a while now. Crimson Steel just seemed like a skeleton to the group, almost having no purpose, but just to hang around. Everyone was glad that Rainbow finally asked such a tough question. Nopony else had wished to ask such a thing. Crimson, after hesitating for a few moments, rose to his hooves and walked over to a nearby hillside and stood still. He seemed to be staring off into the abyss. He began to speak in an unusually calm tone.

“Listen to my story, for it may be the last chance I have to tell it.” He said with a slight shudder in his voice. “My story begins in the kingdom of Latria. Latria was the kingdom built by my mother Princess Crystilia. My mother ruled Latria for many years; she built that kingdom from the ground up, and she was very proud of it. One day, however, the peaceful kingdom fell.”

“When your mother fell ill and passed on, or so the legend says.” Twilight pointed out. Her friends glared at her, a bit upset at her sudden interjection. Crimson Steel seemed unfazed by the purple pony’s interruption.

“The legend is wrong.” He replied, never turning to face the six ponies that were listening intently to his ever-deepening tale. “My mother was killed defending her kingdom from the same evil that threatens Equestria now, Eternal Darkness. I was just a colt when I witnessed both my parents sacrifice themselves to keep Eternal Darkness at bay. They did succeed, but only in casting him out for a time. They sacrificed themselves to imprison him in the Abyss.” He spoke slowly almost as if he was reliving every moment as he told it.

“Eternal Darkness saw his chance to return only a few years after my parents died. The ponies asked me to lead the city, at least until the guards found a new princess to take the place of my mother. I refused to take the position and sought out a new princess on my own. That was my mistake. My sister Diamond Dust took on the role of leading the city. That’s where the seeds of evil were planted in my sister. My sister wanted to be a princess so very badly; she had always wanted to be a princess. It was never to come to pass though, as she was not an alicorn, and she knew she would have to turn over authority of the city to a real princess.” As he continued to weave his tale of woe, the air around the ponies grew heavy with sadness. As Crimson Steel told his story, he showed more emotion now than the six mares had seen of him on the entire journey so far.

“So, how did you meet Ruby Heart?” Fluttershy whispered, quietly wanting to hear more of the Crimson stallion’s past.

“I met her a few days after leaving Latria. I soon came upon a small town named Sunburrow. It is a small town, in the middle of nowhere. I first found Ruby in the market place. It was a complete accident I bumped into her. We talked for a while, and I explained what had happened to Latria. She agreed to return with me and lead the city if I were to be her eternal guard and rule by her side. She was inexperienced when I first met her and had no knowledge of how Royalty should act. I trained her for a few years until she was truly ready to return to Latria.”

“When I returned to Latria with Ruby, the kingdom was a ghost of its former glory. The buildings had all but collapsed, and a black fog shrouded the city. My sister sat atop the throne in the palace. The small bit of evil I had sensed in her before I left had amplified to great strength. I had never sensed a more powerful dark magic then what she used on that day. We defeated my sister, but she fled after the battle. Now Eternal Darkness is using her as a catalyst to focus his powers. He is using my sister to manifest his physical form.” As he spoke his calm tone began to wane further.

“That is my regret. Had I led the city for a few years, this crisis may have been averted. My sister might have been saved from the evil that corrupts her now. The sins of my past have returned to haunt me. Every day my memories have tormented me, because I failed to save my Sister’s soul. It continues to tear at me now. I failed once, but not again. I refuse to fail again. I’ve spent every day trying to repair the damage of my mistakes. I feel like I could have done more to protect my family, but I failed. That is my purpose for coming with you. That is the reason I ask the six of you now. Will you help bring this to an end? I know I’ve not been very talkative on this journey, but I was holding out for the right time to explain my past.” When he had finished speaking, he turned around to face the six mares that sat before him.

“Wow, That was quite a story.” Pinkie choked up

“Guess I had you figured wrong for a sec.” Rainbow commented

“Ah know I’ll follow ya through this. Ah know how it feels to lose your family.” Applejack pitched in

“Darling, your story was quite moving. This is our quest, and we WILL see it through to the end.” Rarity said standing up.

Twilight walked over to group “What a journey this has been so far. I feel like I’m ready for anything. Rarity is right this is our quest, and we will see it through to the end. TOGETHER.”

“TOGETHER.” Everypony shouted into the night.

Youtube Video

Snatch and Grab

Each pony stared up at the towering black ruins known as the Broken Kingdom. Each wondering what lay within its twisted walls. The fire calmly died out leaving nothing, but a few wisps of smoke drifting from the smoldering ashes. The small rays of sun that softly lit up the area a few hours ago had all but disappeared leaving the ponies in the soft glimmer of the moon. Each pony grabbed their weapon from the ground and sheathed into the special hilt Applejack had made them back in Rubia.

“So, why is this statuette so important?” Rainbow asked, still a bit skeptical about the purpose for this journey.

“What we are after isn’t a normal statuette. It is known as a guardian piece. Two guardian pieces are needed to awaken the sleeping giant. We have one of them, but somehow one of Eternal Darkness’ acolytes was able to get into the city and steal the other one. The Guardian was built to defend Equestria from Eternal Darkness. Without both statuettes we can’t awaken him.” Crimson Steel answered distantly.

“Sounds serious, so what’s the plan for this little snatch and grab?” Rainbow asked eager for some action.

“The Broken Kingdom is surrounded by a field of dark magic, that black mist you see drifting around it is the magic I speak of one touch and I’m sure the entire kingdom and whatever lies inside will know we are here. So here is the plan. Rainbow Dash I want you, Fluttershy, and Twilight to enter through the top of that shambled castle and find that guardian piece. It’s likely to be in one of the towers so find it and get out.” Crimson Steel cut Rainbow off before she could protest needing help. “I’m sending them with you because Twilight can hide you from detection with her magic, and because you three have wings so a perfect team.”

He turned toward the other three ponies “Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie you three with me. We are going to be the distraction hopefully by the others some time to search. I can shield us from detection with my magic. Hopefully the four of us can sneak in and cause a little disarray within the kingdom. If all goes well we should be in and out before sun up and back on our way to Rubia to prepare.”

“Hang on prepare for what, exactly?” Twilight asked interjecting

Crimson Steel let out a long sigh realizing he hadn’t told them yet. “Eternal Darkness is preparing an army for an all out attack on Equestria. If we don’t stop him here all of Equestria could collapse. Yet another reason we must not fail. Now, is everypony ready?”

“I think we are, more or less.” Twilight said softly gazing up at their imminent destination.

Each pony split up into their team, and soon they were off on their way into the dark ruins of the Broken Kingdom.

The trio of flyers took off leaping from the ground to the skies.

“Ok girls let me activate the spell Crimson Steel showed me.” Violet aura surrounded Twilight’s horn, and a gray energy began to encircle each pony, forming a ring that split in two directions. “There we go, now we should be invisible to the black magic that surrounds this place, let’s go.”

“Yeah, time for some action!” exclaimed Rainbow, taking the lead into the ruined kingdom.

“I’m not sure about this.” Fluttershy squeaked.

The three mares flew to the first tower, landing on the rim of the first crumbling balcony. Fluttershy went over and pulled softly on the window.

“It’s locked maybe no one’s home right now let’s come back later.” Fluttershy turned to fly off not before Rainbow bit onto her tail, and pulled her back.

“Hey, fate of Equestria here, remember? No one goes home till this over.” She snapped.

“Besides nothing is ever locked.” Twilight smirked stepping in front of the cracked window. Her magic sparked up and surrounded the window. With a slight “click” the window unlocked and creaked, as it swung open. The three mares stepped inside the tower quietly, and began to search the interiors. Rainbow checked the ceilings and cabinets quickly flying back and forth through the room. Twilight scanned the floors and walls with her magic to check for secret hatches and passageways. Fluttershy checked the furniture carefully combing over each spot for a switch or lever.

“Nothing, there is nothing here.” Rainbow sighed.

Twilight walked over to the open window, and peered out “Come on let’s get going. Still four more towers to search.”

The three mares took off in the direction of the next tower.

“Everypony stop, look out there.” Fluttershy pointed to the nearest tower. Several black pony-shaped figures circled the tower.

“Must be some of those acolytes. We need to avoid their sight and stay hidden.” Twilight said.

“Can’t you just hide us with magic?” Rainbow asked a bit annoyed.

“I wish, but that would take a lot of strength to hold two cloaking spells at once.”

“Ugh fine.”

The three mares flew quietly over to the tower, stopping several meters away. When the acolytes had passed the tower the trio made a dash for it. Each one landed on the balcony with perfect precision. Twilight hastily wrapped the window in her magical embrace unlocking the window within a few seconds. The trio hastily rushed in while Twilight shut the window behind them. Twilight shut the window a little harder then she thought and the window snapped shut with a loud “BANG” catching a glare from one of the passing acolytes. The robed acolyte flew over to the window and peered inside. Seeing nothing the dark robed pony grunted went back to his post.

“Close call, I don’t think I could have held that spell much longer.” Twilight whispered stopping her cloaking spell. “Ok girls lets get searching before those guards come back.”

Once again they broke off scanning the large tower high and low with no sign of the statuette.

“Nothing again.” Rainbow growled.

“Dashie try to be quiet we don’t want to get caught.” Fluttershy whispered from across the room

Rainbow Dash sighed to herself. All this sneaking around was really staring to wear on her. She still hadn’t got to use her lightning bolt-shaped great sword Applejack had made her. The three waited for the robed acolyte soldiers to pass before exiting the tower as fast as fast as they could.

“Only three more towers left two smaller ones and the central tower in the center of the collapsed castle.” Twilight thought to herself. She was worried about how the other four might be fairing had they been captured, killed, or even tortured! “Best not to dwell on it now.” She thought trying to calm herself.

The three ponies moved to the next tower. Twilight hastily unlocked the window with her magic so they could get in. Each pony looked around the tower quickly looking at weapons and different suits of armor.

“Must be the armory. The guardian stone is not gonna be in the armory.” Rainbow Dash concluded.

Twilight combed quickly through the armory one last time. She levitated a small stack of papers into her bag hoping they could be useful maybe possible battle plans she hoped. “Two more to go.” She whispered to Rainbow and Fluttershy.

The last tower had no patrol around it the three mares quickly made their way inside. Twilight stopped dead in her tracks when she realized where she was. A giant library stood before Twilight. Many of its books were torn and covered in a fine layer of dust. Clearly this library had fallen into disrepair sometime ago. “This must be the royal library. I’ve got to read through some of these ancient books maybe they paint a deeper story on this kingdom.”

“Twilight there isn’t time we need to get moving.” Rainbow said ready to get a move on again.

“Just hang on Rainbow give me sec.....”

A sharp ringing struck each pony’s ears as a bright and loud blast of light erupted from what they could only assume was the Great Hall. Loud yelling and the dark drone of possessed voices rang below the three ponies. Twilight hastily used her magic to block off the window and lock it up tight. Rainbow drew her great sword from it’s sheath holding it firmly with her teeth as the tower door began to splinter and shake violently from the force of the dark knights and acolytes pounding on it.

“What gave us away?” Fluttershy asked with a whine as she covered her face with her hooves.

The door gave way with a loud shattering SLAM as it broke and splintered into pieces. Rainbow Dash looked dead ahead at their assailants “BRING....IT....ON.” she growled as the attackers charged into the room.

Crimson Steel, Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie looked on as the three flying ponies took off towards the towers of the Broken Kingdom.

“So darling what’s the plan here exactly while they search the towers what are we going to do.”

“We are gonna buy them some time to search the towers by causing a distraction. First things first, the spell.” Crimson’s horn started to glow a dark red as a gray ring of magic surrounded each of the four ponies. The ring began to spin, then splitting in half formed a barrier around each of them that faded away after just a few seconds. “Now we should be invisible to the dark magic surrounding the area.” Crimson Steel hooked two strange dagger-like weapons to his legs. “Applejack you did make weapons for the others correct?”

“Ah sure believe ah did. Ah gave Rainbow hers awhile ago.” She said attaching a pair of sharpened metal kicking shoes to her legs.

“Ok let’s get moving then, and Rarity please restrain your use of magic. The trio shouldn’t have a problem with that being the towers are more on the outside of the kingdom, but we are going to be dead center. Our bodies may be invisible from detection, but being so close to the center of the kingdom any foreign magic use would easily be detected by Eternal Darkness.”

“Noted then.”

The four ponies stepped up entering the veil of swirling shadow magic that surrounded the kingdom. Nopony said a word as they walked. The deep depression of the ruined landscape really started to make this place feel evil. The dirt was dry and black almost as if it had been burned for years. The trees were all but dead or twisted in such a way they might as well be dead, and they held the same black color the land did. The sky was all but gray and lacked color. The land and kingdom just looked dead.

The group of four ponies stopped at the old drawbridge. No guards were in sight.

“Where’s the friendly greeting or the surprise.” Pinkie asked confused. The others just rolled their eyes and kept walking.

The four ponies slowly crossed the drawbridge carefully checking for any patrolling guards or hostiles along the castle walls. There was nothing, no sign of any life at all. The four ponies crossed through the courtyard, and past the gardens. Still nothing no soldiers, acolytes, and no sign that Eternal Darkness had ever been here.

“I don’t understand it. There isn’t anything here no sign that anypony had ever been here.” Crimson Steel wondered aloud. "Perhaps we should check the Great Hall. If this place is abandoned the Great Hall will be empty.”

The four ponies walked through the streets of the kingdom occasionally glancing up, and seeing a brief glimpse of the three flying ponies heading to a tower. They arrived at the Great Hall in a matter of minutes.

“Hey Crimson ya’ll know if this place ain’t abandoned then this is probably a trap right?” Applejack asked nervously.

“Yep of course. I wouldn’t expect any different.” He said with a slight chuckle. “Hey Pinkie?”

“Yes?”

“Stick outside the Great Hall and if you hear anything troubling, do what you do best?”

“YEP!” pinkie exclaimed with a big beaming smile.

“So what’s are next move then?” Rarity questioned.

Crimson Steel gave a slight grin “Spring the trap.” He said confidently.

The three ponies slowly pushed open the massive doors to the Great Hall of the Broken Kingdom. The decretive pillars were half collapsed, the carpet torn, and the tapestries were shredded and barely clung on to the stone wall. The three ponies turned several glances, as they looked around at the destroyed the hall.

“This place is truly an absolute disaster.” Rarity muttered in disbelief.

“Wait....hold on.” Crimson Steel said suddenly stopping.

“Ya’ll hear that?” Applejack asked looking nervously at the others.

A thin whistling sound began to envelop the room

“Move!” Crimson Steel yelled.

The three ponies didn’t get far before a dark barrier formed in front of them blocking their way forward and the door they came in through. The dark magical barrier bent and twisted itself into a cage surrounding the three ponies. Pinkie Pie who had been waiting outside looked inside the hall to see the dark magic barrier blocking her view of her friends.

“UH OH TROUBLE!” Pinkie shouted running into the hall barely dodging the door as it shut. Pinkie stayed by the corner of the wall where she would be hidden from view. The loud clapping of hooves together could be heard in the distance.

“It’s so nice to see you again brother.” An eerie voice said from the shadows.

“Maybe if you weren’t possessed I might be a bit more enthusiastic about seeing you again.” Crimson Steel said coldly.

“Possessed, me? What would make you think such a thing?”

“Drop the act and come out you coward.” Crimson Steel said. Clearly he was becoming more angry by the minute.

“Is that any way to talk to your dear sister?” The pony said stepping from the shadows. She had a shining blue coat and bright-silvered mane.

“Maybe I’d feel bad if I were actually talking to my sister.” Crimson Steel was almost shouting now.

“Awww am I plucking your emotional strings? Meh doesn’t matter anyway you and your little group of ponies won’t live long enough anyway to see your precious Equestria collapse before your eyes.” Diamond Dust spoke with a voice obviously not her own.

“Release my sister from your grip you shadow crawling cur!”

“Hmph I’m done with you, kill them. Oh, before I forget to tell you. We have already discovered your little trio of flyers they will be dead soon as well.” The corrupted Diamond Dust exited the room followed by two guards suited in full purple armor. A small group of knights surrounded the magical cage. The knights brandished saddle-mounted spears and it was easy to tell what their next move would be. The knights suddenly stop mid attack as pink blur jumped around the room. Pinkie Pie stopped in front of the magic cage.

“HEY ANYPONY MISS ME!” She hollered narrowly dodging a spear with the help of her pinkie sense.

“Kill that pink pest.” One of the knights shouted to the others

“Time to break out of this cage. Rarity combine your magic together with mine.”

“Ok.”

The knights had lost all focus on the three trapped in the dark cage. They were so focused on catching Pinkie Pie they failed to notice Crimson Steel and Rarity had crossed horns. The color of the combined magic turned from a dark red to a soft light blue shade finally combining into a deep purple shade.

“Now!” Crimson Steel yelled as they released their spell. Their combined magic erupted throughout the hall in the form of a violet explosion of light. The dark knights who had been chasing Pinkie hollered in agony as the blast of magic tore their souls from their bodies leaving nothing but motionless corpses where they once stood. The cage of dark magic disintegrated under the powerful blast.

“Ugh.” Crimson Steel muttered feeling his legs weaken.

Rarity was clearly suffering from the effects of the spell as well “What was that?” She groaned holding a hoof to her head.

“That was a requiem spell, a long forgotten magic type. That was the same type of spell my parents used to defeat Eternal Darkness the first time.”

“Ah well it was quite something. I have a massive headache now.” Rarity complained.

“That’s just one type of requiem spell. A weak one to be exact, they often leave headaches or make you sick after use. The more powerful spells can kill the user or users if extreme caution is ignored.”

“Alright stop dillydallying you two we need to get movin remember fate of Equestria on the line here.” Applejack said hastily.

“Yeah I agree we do need to be moving. We’ve got to slow down Eternal Darkness.”

Rainbow cut down knight after knight as they charged through the broken tower door. Her great sword streaked through the air like lightning as she caught the neck of a dark knight staining the floor with black blood. Three more charged into the room. One knight clipped Rainbow’s front leg causing her to wince, her bright red blood glistening as it dripped to the floor. A thrust forward from Rainbow’s sword put one knight out of commission as it pierced his throat going out the back of his neck.

“Any bright ideas egghead?” Rainbow growled as a thin blade caught her flank. Her adrenaline pumping so fast she didn’t notice. Rainbow leveled two more knights staining the room in their dark blood. The loud snap of bones and the screams of several more dying soldiers filled the room as Rainbow killed another small group.

“Hurry Twilight do something.” Fluttershy squeaked out from the corner of the room.

“Ok here we go.” Twilight mumbled while taking a deep breath to clear head. Her horn started to glow its usual purple color, and with a flash of light a purple barrier blocked the door preventing more reinforcements from entering the room. Twilight closed her eyes and winced as the pain from keeping two barrier spells began to hit her. “Just focus and concentrate.” She mumbled. Her eyes sprang open as her teleportation spell flashed the three of them out of the tower.

The three mares appeared with another flash of light. Twilight only stood for a few seconds before she collapsed to the ground.

“Twi... light Tw....ilight.” a faint voice spoke in the dark haze.

“Death is the only end.” A deep voice growled through the shadows. “Now fade away let it take you and PERISH!” The voice shouted.

Twilight snapped awake, glancing around the room she saw Rainbow Dash standing in the corner. Fart of her face was covered by the shadow cast by the broken windows. The look on her face was one of sheer worry. Twilight faced forward and saw Fluttershy standing in front her. Fluttershy looked scared, and her body trembled as she spoke.

“Are.... are you ok Twilight? You were thrashing and hollering so much. I tried to wake you, but you started to talk about death and perishing is the only escape. We were so worried.” Fluttershy’s voice was cold as ice as she spoke.

“I’m sorry I didn’t mean to scare you. I think this place is getting to me.” Twilight shifted uneasily. “How long was I unconscious?”

“Oh uh maybe fifteen minutes.” Fluttershy said still a little worried about her friend.

“Where are we anyway?” Twilight rose to her hooves, and moved over to the broken window and peered out. The entire Broken Kingdom was visible through the shattered glass. “This must be the central tower of the kingdom. Everypony get searching for that statuette. It must be around here somewhere.”

It didn’t take long for Twilight to find something out of place in the room with her scanning spell active. The painting next to the bed had been moved and put back in place rather sloppily. Upon the painting was the image of a beautiful alicorn princess. “This must be Crystilia. Crimson Steel’s mother.” Twilight guessed

“She’s very pretty.” Fluttershy commented.

Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash flew up each grabbing a corner of the rather large painting. With one fluid motion they pulled it off the wall and set it down onto a beautiful bed. Behind the painting was nothing but solid wall. “Rainbow do you mind?”

Rainbow Dash drew her lightning shaped great sword from the sheath on her back, and positioned it in her mouth so she would have a good grip between her teeth. With a heavy swing Rainbow struck the wall the painting hid. The wall faded away as if it never existed in the first place.

“An illusionary wall how interesting.” Twilight thought.

Behind the illusionary sat a small lever. It appeared to me made of a metal similar to bronze but showed no signs of rust. Twilight flipped the lever with her magic so no of them would be in danger if it was a trap. The stone floor began to creak and screech as the sound of gears moving kicked to life. The floor in front of them began to slide away revealing a long spiral staircase that descended downward into the depths of the castle.

“Why is it always a long spiraling staircase?” Twilight sighed as the three ponies began their descent.

Unlike the rest of the kingdom this staircase seemed to have been kept in a fairly good condition. The three friends finally hit the bottom of the winding staircase. The guardian piece was right there just ahead at the end of the hall. Being such a huge fan of the Daring Do books Rainbow Dash could easily tell the floor was rigged extensively with traps.

“Ok well there are obviously traps here.” She smirked. “Lets just fly over.”

Rainbow lifted up into air and began flying to down the cramped hallway. She stared confidently at the traps along the ground knowing they could never hit her while Twilight and Fluttershy looked on nervously at what the cyan mare was doing. The sound of a plucked cord vibrated through the room. Rainbow fell to out of the air hitting the ground with a heavy “thud” just barely missing a rigged bear trap and spring activated spikes. Twilight and Fluttershy looked on unsure of what to do while Rainbow lay motionless on the floor halfway down the hall.

“Ra....Rainbow.” Fluttershy squeaked covering her face with her hooves.

“Ok let me try to teleport over there.” Twilight said as her horn began to glow.

A blast of energy shot from a jeweled eye in the ceiling striking Twilight’s horn causing her to jump back frightened.

“It’s no use whatever is in that strange eye up there it stops the use of magic.”

Rainbow twitched a little before slowly rising to her hooves. “Ow that stung a little.” She commented before looking up.

What she saw was a very fine strands of material hanging from the ceiling. They were easy to miss if you weren’t paying attention. The material was so fine and sharp that it could easily cut the delicate wings of a pegasus pony, which is clearly what they were made for. Rainbow’s wings had been nicked and cut from the thin string blades hindering her ability to fly.

“Rainbow are you ok.” Fluttershy whined.

“Ye...yeah I’m good just a little sore from those string blade things hanging from the ceiling. Give me a sec I’m gonna get that guardian piece.” Rainbow said her vigor renewed. Rainbow swiftly maneuvered around the floor traps. Even with her wings cut and bleeding she could still jump extremely high to dodge those traps attached to the walls.

She stopped in front of the beautifully crafted guardian piece. It was a crystalline white color and was carved in the shape of some sort of white stone beast. Though it depicted only half the guardian of Rubia. Rainbow snatched up the statue causing all the traps to disarm with several clicks, and the sound of cranking gears.

“Phew I got it.” Rainbow called out through the hall and swiftly strutted back to her friends.

“Ok now that we have what we came for let’s find the others and get out.”

“We can’t just go searching this place for them when we don’t know where to look. This castle is crawling with knights and acolytes now.”

“ That’s a good point Rainbow. Let’s head outside to that hill I have a plan to get them.” Twilight beamed.

It wasn’t long before the four ponies caught up to the possessed Diamond Dust. “No no no I can’t have you interfering. Now that just won’t do. You’re time will come soon; all of you will die soon, and perish beneath my power. But why rush it.” Eternal Darkness separated from his catalyst appearing as a pony shaped shadow stretching along the room. “I must say though your sister has been quite a prize, without her hatred I never would have regained so much power.”

“Silence!” Crimson Steel yelled.

“Ooooo does that burn yes, I’m sure is does. Feel the hatred run through your veins. The more you hate the stronger I get so go-ahead hate me with all the passion you have.” Eternal Darkness chuckled slightly at the sight of the four ponies. “Such riffraff attempting to match my power, you entertain me.” A loud thundering laugh escaped the shadow of Eternal Darkness and echoed around the room. The four ponies stood intently never relenting to his taunts. “Hmmmm very well if you’re so inclined to die then who am I to not grant your wish.” Eternal Darkness walked back into Diamond Dust’s body to use as his weapon against the four ponies. “Then let us begin.” The possessed pony spoke arrogantly.

“Eternal Darkness, ever the coward you are. You won’t separate from my sister to fight me yourself.”

“Hang on, what do you mean darling we are all in this together.” Rarity said confused

“Yeah sugarcube this our mission. We are gonna fight with ya.”

“Heck YEAH! We never leave a friend behind.” Pinkie exclaimed.

“I’m sorry, but this I have to do alone. Eternal Darkness was the cause for my parents’ deaths, and my sister being possessed. It is my fault as well, it is time I atone for my mistakes.” A single tear ran down Crimson’s face as his horn began to glow a blast of magic sent the three ponies flying backwards out the door of the room. Before the three ponies could get back into the room the door melted off the wall and steamed into away on the ground dissipating into oblivion.

“Hmmmm I’m not sure if you’re decision to spare them was a wise or foolish one. You know I will kill them too eventually.” Eternal Darkness chuckled through the body of Diamond Dust.

“You won’t do anything to them. You won’t make it far enough.” Crimson Steel said.

With a wave of the hoof the possessed pony threw Crimson Steel against the wall pinning him in place. Crimson Steel struggled a bit, trying to break free before turning to his magic. His horn began to glow before blasting a bright light freeing him from the grip of his sister’s magic. The intensely powerful enemy made several weapons appear out of thin air and sent them flying at Crimson. The dark red pony flashed a barrier of magic in front of reflecting the weapons causing them to scatter around the room.

“Ahhh I see you have gotten much stronger since we last met all those years ago when you’re parents imprisoned me. I will have fun breaking you.” The possess pony said in a tone so calm it was unsettling.

Eternal Darkness fired a beam of magic from the possessed sister’s horn. Crimson Steel retaliated with a beam of his causing them to be locked in a magic duel. Crimson thought Eternal Darkness was just toying with him because no ground was gained in either direction. Their beams flickered and flashed causing and explosion of magic to erupt. The blast completely leveled a piece of the castle causing the east wing to fall apart. As the dust cleared Crimson Steel was lying on the ground weak from the blast. He could see his possessed sister through the dust and smoke.

“Ugh.” Was all Crimson was able to get out. Before his possessed sister was on top him.

“Oh tisk tisk such a pity to kill such a powerful guard if only you had chose to serve me instead of marrying that weak ruby princess. But now you must die it truly is a shame.” Eternal Darkness cooed as shadows began to surround Crimson Steel causing him to go unconscious.

“Ow my head.” Crimson Steel said. His vision was still a little foggy.

“OH OH OH ohohoh he’s WAKING UP!”

“Don’t move too much sugarcube.”

“You’re sure he’s ok he looks kinda sick.”

“Yes darling Rainbow Dash he’s ok definitely alive at the very least.”

“Oh I really hope he’s ok.”

“ Girls don’t crowd. Crimson Steel are you ok.”

“Yeah I think so.” He said holding to a hoof to his head while rising to stand. “How did I get here?” He looked around noticing the seven of them were far outside the broken kingdom. It was Twilight who answered with a thoughtful look on her face.

“I used the same long distance teleport spell that Princess Celestia used to bring us to Canterlot. I just altered it a bit to sink with a cutie mark rather than an element of harmony.”

“Why did you save me?” he asked as his head began to hurt worse.

“Because when we ran into Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie they told us what you did. You have a princess to return to. We couldn’t let die, and suffer returning to the princess that you had died in the Broken Kingdom.” Twilight said with a sweet smile.

“Thank you, the six of you could’ve run, but you didn’t.”

“Just one thing. Don’t go tryin ta get yourself killed again.” Applejack laughed.

“The guardian piece. We never got it.” Crimson Steel shouted suddenly.

Fluttershy stepped forward and pulled the right half the white stone statue from her bag. “We did.” She whispered.

“Then we need to get moving. We half to get this half back to Rubia, I’m sure Eternal Darkness’ army is already on its way to Rubia.” He said as his resolve was renewed. “But that doesn’t mean we can’t rest tonight.”

A fire sparked to life in the center of the six ponies and flickered ever freely into the evening moon as the cool breeze blew, giving the environment a gentle calm to the ever-surrounding destruction.

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