My Little Pony: Shadows of the Two Kingdoms

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.

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