Blackest Twilight

by Zanem-Ji

Rating: teen
Tags: Dark, Spike, Princess Celestia, Twilight Sparkle, Main 6, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Length: 27643

After Celestia and Luna's battle, a new sky was created. Twilight, loving this new sky, did whatever she could to recreate it. But when Celestia disapproves of this creation, Twilight's dark path into a twisted enemy begins...

It's been two and a half years since the battle between Celestia and Luna took place. So bloody and fierce, but never written into Equestria's history. Twilight however, saw something amazing in that clash of these celestial titans:

A whole new sky had been created from the destruction.

Twilight, so entranced by it, recreated it, only making a few changes to it. She shared it with the citizens, who fell in love with Twilight's newest and greatest form of magic and art. Celestia however, disapproves of this creation, and in doing so, has begun the birth of one of Equestria's greatest enemies that it will ever know.

Published 2014-04-16 14:00:03 UTC
Last updated 2014-05-26 13:52:02 UTC

To Snuff Out The Sun

“The war for respect will never end. When a champion of power rises to the top…there will always be another power that wishes to challenge it…”

Celestia mechanically walked to her balcony to begin her daily ritual of raising her Sun high into the sky. She gazed up at the red and purple star-dotted sky with quiet disdain. She would never learn to accept Eventide…to accept this abomination. However, Celestia had no choice, but to let Twilight rule during this timeframe.

It had started with only two hours…but Twilight was growing very powerful quickly. If she wanted Eventide to remain for more time, she would get it.

She raised her Sun up, her anger rising as it rose from the horizon, and the sun’s rays bounced off the various lavender and rich purple crystals that now jutted out from the earth throughout Canterlot.

“Your Kingdom of the Sun has been around for a very long time. Its time for a new power to take control of Equestria…”

Twilight created these crystals to give artificial heat and light, but they could also be used as communication devices for the lavender Alicorn. Celestia did not approve of that particular feature, but Twilight couldn’t have cared less.

She was the once mighty Sun Warrior, defeating the King Chaos alongside her sister, and bringing order to Equestria. She had fought off Nightmare Moon, and twisted amalgamation that was Eternal Slumber. She would be damned before Twilight would simply change things around and treat the kingdom like it was some sort of experiment or a child’s plaything.

“Keep hold of your precious kingdom for as long as you can…”

This wasn’t about keeping the kingdom to herself. She just wanted to keep it safe. She needed to put a stop to Twilight and set her boundaries, before things spiraled out of control.

-MLP-

Twilight was flipping through the pages in one of the many novels she had in her bedroom. There was a stern rapping on the door. Her ear flicked in annoyance,

“Who is it?”

“Twilight, its me.” Celestia’s strong voice replied from the other side.

A dark smile formed on Twilight’s face, “Come in.”

The door clicked open and Celestia trotted inside. She knew she couldn’t charge in, raging and frothing at the mouth. Twilight was no longer the gentle Unicornian pupil that she had taken in long ago. She had grown into a headstrong and dangerously fierce Alicorn. Her attitude was borderline aggressive in some situations, and any sign of aggression from Celestia would trigger Twilight into attacking her. She knew she couldn’t win in a show of force against her, and Twilight knew that. So…she’d have to go about this carefully.

“Twilight, there’s something important that I need to talk to you about.” Celestia stated.

“I would assume so. We haven’t spoken of the weather or had any other type of light conversation in a while.” Twilight replied flippantly..

“Its about New Sky.”

“Eventide.”

“Ah yes, I do recall you saying that you had renamed your…creation.” Celestia responded with tact. “I wish to make a proposal with you.”

“A proposal?” one of Twilight’s brows arched with intrigue. “Go on…”

Celestia magically pulled a pillow close to her and sat on it, “I still think that ‘Eventide’ is not a fantastic idea. It has the potential to be something great, but I wouldn’t say its ready yet.” She looked out the window. “Day and Night have always been separate. There was no blend, no confusion, no…gray area. It was a representation of my sister and I. Eventide is something you threw onto the citizens. Perhaps you should pull back a bit…start with taking care of Night, and all the duties that come with it.”

Twilight almost immediately shook her head. “I can’t do that.”

“And why not?”

Twilight closed her novel, “The citizens love it. You are the only one who doesn’t. Our job is to look out for our subjects, not sit here and pamper ourselves and make sure the kingdom is exactly as we like it.”

“Oh really now? If I recall, you made Eventide to your own liking. I implored you not to bring forth this new sky, not just because it’s a constant reminder of the horror I had done in murdering my only sister…but because…”

Twilight remained silent as Celestia took a second to calm her breathing.

“There have been whispers amongst the staff, Twilight.” Celestia focused her gaze on her, “Rumors that Luna wasn’t sick…but murdered. They know, but they just can’t prove it…but, what if they do?”

“What does that have to do with Eventide?”

Celestia rubbed her forehead, “Do you not remember my teaching in Politics?” she got up to sit a bit closer to Twilight, attempting to emit a friendlier aura. “Your excitedness to create this new time will give off the energy that not only were you in support of Luna’s murder…but that you may have been a part of it!”

Twilight scoffed, “That’s absurd. As much as I wanted to kill Eternal Slumber-”

“SHE WASN’T ETERNAL SLUMBER, SHE WAS LUNA!!” Celestia snarled as she jumped to her hooves. “And she was my sister! How can you be so callous when it comes to someone you once had so much respect for?!”

Twilight slowly rose to her hooves and silently stared Celestia down. This gave time for Celestia to assess Twilight’s form. For being such a young Alicorn, she had grown very quickly already much taller than Luna was at her age as an Alicorn. Too quickly in fact…how had she grown this quickly in such a short timespan? A spell perhaps?”

“I had more respect for her than you did.” Twilight replied calmly. “I respected Luna, even though we were prepared to kill the thing she had become. I respected her, her Moon, her stars…” she started to walk past her, “That’s why I incorporated them into Eventide. And I respected you and everything you were. I respected you and your teachings, your beautiful blue sky, and your Sun…which is also incorporated into Eventide.”

Twilight made it to her bedroom door and closed it with a hoof, an action that definitely did not go unnoticed by a now unnerved Celestia.

“But after our council meeting, when we were trying to figure out exactly who the Guider was…I realized that you were not the Teacher I used to look up to. you were too focused on the way we would be viewed, and not seeing the main issue. You were more concerned that we would be viewed as monstrous murderers, rather than being concerned with the fact that citizens were being killed off nearly every single night…” Twilight turned back to face her, “Your mindset…it is that of a young filly. Childish. Not often, but when it shows, its at the most inopportune and crucial times. I feel that you aren’t fit to rule the kingdom anymore.”

Celestia’s eyes widen and she could barely keep herself from going slack jawed.

“It seems that your break wasn’t long enough. That is understandable, she was your sister…but perhaps a more permanent break is in order. Its time to put the welfare of the kingdom into more capable hooves.” Twilight continued. “My hooves.”

Celestia shook her head, “No. there is a system in place.” she carried on. “I am the Head Ruler. If the time comes that the Head Ruler must step down, the second most senior of Sh royal lineage will take their place. That would be Cadence.”

Twilight chuckled, “She already has a massive kingdom of her own to rule. Far too big for it to be merged with this one. In order to be the ruler of Equestria, she’d have to come here and relinquish her rule of the Crystal Empire. And then who would become the ruler of that kingdom?”

Celestia averted her gaze, and Twilight frowned,

“Shining Armor, since he’s the Prince and all. Which means…you’d be putting such a strain on their marriage.” Twilight let out a grim chuckle, “Ironic for the Princess of Love…anyway, such discourse in their personal affairs would lead to the possibility of making improper judgement calls for both kingdoms. And with two major kingdoms in a weakened state of power, it would give other lands an opportunity to strike us down.” Twilight walked back towards her, stopping directly in front of her,

“You taught me one major rule to never forget, at the beginning of my ascension into Alicornhood. A rule that you yourself have forgotten in your complacency after being in charge for far too long…”

She leaned forward until there were only mere inches of air parting their snouts,

“Always see the bigger picture…”

In a flash, Celestia was on her knees from a pin prick sized wound in her neck. Her eyes screwed shut as a surge of harmful ooze coursed through her blood. She opened one eye to look up at Twilight.

“Please don’t try to fight it.” Twilight stated as she placed the syringe she had kept hidden was now placed on a nearby tabletop. “Keeping calm will ensure your survival.”

“What…did you…do to me…” Celestia questioned through gritted teeth.

“It’s a potion of my creation.” Twilight began. “Remember when we were trying to figure out what species of creature the Guider was? I still haven’t been able to figure out a spell that could do such a thing…morph a creature in such a way it was unrecognizable…but the Everfree Forest is a bounty when it comes to potion making.” She stared Celestia down with a look that the elder Alicorn wasn’t prepared for;

Pity.

“While there is no spell to do that…potions themselves can be enchanted.” Twilight placed a hoof on Celestia’s shoulder. “This will give you the break you need. But you must allow it to happen. If you don’t…the enchantment on the potion will trigger a violent reaction. It will tear away are your organs without replacement and kill you in a matter of minutes.”

“Someone is going to take that and so much more before you know it…”

Celestia did her best to remain calm, and resist every urge to use magic to fight off whatever Twilight had conjured up. Her eyelids started to get heavy, as she let herself slip into the dark embrace of the potion. Twilight lightly shook her shoulder to regain her attention.

“No, not yet.” Twilight lied down, resting her chin on the floor to get eye level with her. “You’re a good pony, Celestia. You really are. You just got…lost in the path of being the sole ruler for so long. But worry not…every enemy that rose against us was slaughtered by the might of Equestria, and the strength of the Elements of Harmony. A power that I possess…” she lightly caressed Celestia’s cheek. “You will no longer be the Princess of the Sun…you will get the chance to ‘start over’ and get your well earned break.” She smiled,

“Be at peace now, and farewell…”

Darkness Rising

“Applejack! APPLEJACK! Wake up! NOW!!”

Applejack opened a sleep-crusted eye, and looked over at Pinkie. Ever since her sister’s death, her fellow Earth Pony had been by her side at all times, both the good and bad. In their time together, the sugary pony had worked her way into the farmer’s heart. She liked her. She would even say that she was beginning to love her. But what she didn’t love, was that her partner was shaking her in a frenzy just to get her to rise from her slumber.

“What it is Sugar…” Applejack said groggily. Pinkie had her typical look of excitement on her face.”

“Do you know what time it is?” Pinkie trembled with excitement.

“Its like…” she looked out the window. the sky was blue and purple, the stars appeared to be fading. “Gotta be six in the mornin’?”

Pinkie shook her head, “Its three in the afternoon!”

Applejack jumped up, flinging the bedsheets and her partner off her in the process.

“Oh golly, mah chores! Ain’t none of the chores of the chores done yet! Ah got apples ta buck, a-an’ chickens ta feed an steer ta uh…steer! Oh no, an’ Ah still got ta get the slop fer the pigs an’-”

Applejack stopped. If it was three in the afternoon…

Why was the sky still in Eventide?

She focused on Pinkie, who was leaned on the windowsill with her tail wagging in excitement.

“Its still dark out!” Pinkie giggled. “Maybe Twilight is going to be holding another big rave. And a big rave means a big party! And a big party means big fun!” she gave Applejack a joyful peck on the lips. “Let’s get on the train and down over to Canterlot!” she bounded out the door, only to pop back into the room a moment later, “Wait!! We need to grab the others. They can’t miss out on this!”

Applejack started to protest, but Pinkie snatched her out the door before she could protest.

-MLP-

“Twilight…um…could you open the door please?” Fluttershy asked polited as she knocked gently on the door.

“What are you guys doing here?” Twilight questioned.

Rarity rolled her eyes, “Dear, we can sit here and begin a light conversation through these beautifully constructed Canterlotian Redwood doors, but it’d be much more preferable to talk while we’re face to face. Please let us in.”

There were a few moments of silence before one of the heavy doors slowly opened to let them in. Twilight was lying in her bed with the curtain closed. The group noticed the room was cold.

“Sugarcube, why are ya sittin’ in yer room all by yer lonesome” Applejack questioned as she tilted her head, “Aren’t ya supposed to be doin’ some Princess things? Like…shuttin’ down Eventide an’ letting Celestia raise the sun?”

Twilight shook her head, but did not face them, “The sun will not be rising today.” She paused before rolling over to face them with tired eyes, “Celestia’s gone…”

The shock slammed into the group. Gone? How does one of the Princesses just…vanish like this?”

“What do you mean ‘she’s gone’?” Dash questioned. “Where’d she go?”

“When I woke up, I could see Eventide was still out. When I went to check on her in her tower and she just wasn’t…there…” Twilight rose out of her bed, “She’s been gone for hours.”

“Well then we need to go and find her!” Pinkie stated with cheerful determination. “It shouldn’t take long, and then throw her a ‘We Found You!!’ party!” she started bouncing in place, “Let’s get to it!”

Twilight sighed, “I can’t do that. We can’t do that. Look, the death of Eter-…Luna is still hard on her. She’s probably taking some time to grieve.” She summoned a scroll with the Seal of the Sun on it, “This scroll documents what needs to be done in her absence. All I can do is just follow the instructions until she returns…”

She pulled open the curtains and looked out and looked out at Eventide. Fluttershy stepped forward,

“Sorry for asking but…who cares?” the Pegasus started. “Who cares if there’s a paper that says not to look for her? We…we aren’t just her citizens, we know her better than anyone alive now, save for Disord…we’re her friends.”

Twilight looked back at her, “Fluttershy, we ca-”

“I mean, if it were any of us that disappeared, she would come looking for us-”

“No she wouldn’t-”

“Or at least send out some of your most trust Royal Guards-”

“Fluttershy.”

“Or maybe, we could try-”

“I SAID NO!”

Fluttershy’s ears flattened against her head and her eyes snapped shut. Dash was immediately taking a protective stance in front of her wife,

“What the hell is your problem?” Dash snarled. “Flutters was just giving ideas! At least she’s trying to do something, unlike you!”

“And what would you know?!” Twilight splayed her wings. “What do you know about being a Princess?! Please tell me how you would just fly off and go look for her, leaving hundreds of thousands of citizens confused and scared!”

Dash’s chest puffed out and she mirrored Twilight’s form. “I would do EVERYTHING in my royal powers to help look for a friend!”

“BUT ITS NOT HOW POLITICS WORK, RAINBOW DASH! The scroll was written and signed by Celestia herself! Do you know what that means?!”

Dash didn’t respond.

“It means that it’s a legally binding document. It is law! If I run off going to look for her and something happens to Equestria, it would all be on me! and I can’t send any of you girls because you’re all Bearers of the Elements of Harmony!”

“When has that every stopped us from doing crazy stuff?” Pinkie questioned. “I mean, we’ve went to go and fight baddies all the time! Remember that one time we ran into the Everfree Forest thinking we’d have to give up the Elements and we almost died? What did you do?” Pinkie paused, waiting to see if Twilight would respond. She continued when no answer came. “You ran into the forest and saved us!” she took a step forward, “Why has that suddenly changed?”

Twilight took a few breaths to steady herself, “That was almost 30 years ago, Pinkie…when we were still young and crazy, and I was still new to being a Princess.” She teleported over to her bookshelf and grabbed a dark green tome, “This here is a book pertaining to the rules and regulations of royalty.” She pulled another dark red tome from the shelf with her magic, “And this one talks about the Elements of Harmony and their bearers. It states that those who are able to bear the Elements, have been perceived to have magical attributes that surpass almost every other creature on the planet. You girls…out of millions of creatures across the world, were all born differently…all of you having magic that would challenge Alicornian magic. If the threat of serious injury or death was high enough. That’s why Rainbow’s skull started to fix itself before we even started working on her. Or, how Applejack’s skin started to heal her burn when we fought that dragon at the edge of Tartarus. If five are invaluable, and to me, irreplaceable. By the regulations of these books, your well-being is only surpassed by Shining and the Princesses themselves. That’s why you all can’t just run off into danger on an impulse anymore. And I’m sorry, but aren’t young mares anymore. Its time to settle down…let the soldiers handle the fights unless its necessary for us to step in…”

“That makes no sense, Twilight.” Rarity declared. “We all know that while we won’t live as long as you, we’re still far stronger than anyone here in Equestria. And yes, we are…aging,” she said with a shudder, “but I don’t need some Alicorn telling me how I look, and how my body feels! We’re not decrepit! The Elements are slowing our aging immensely! I may be 56, but I can confidently say that we all still have the body of a 25 year old, 30 max!”

Twilight sighed, “I understand what you’re saying, Rarity…but still, the scroll has its rules, and following rules is something that I used to do…and in this case will still do.”

Applejack walked over to her and placed a hoof on her shoulder, “Twi..please…let’s go look fer her…”

“I’m sorry…but things aren’t the same anymore. I’ve had this title for a while now, and am understanding the responsibilities that come with it. I can’t just go and do whatever I want. The subjects expect me to act a certain way, and I will not let them down. So I’m sorry, but I can’t go and search.”

Applejack’s hoof dropped to the ground and her face hardened, “Very well then. We’ll go look fer her while ya hold down the fort.”

The group turned and started to walk out the door, only for it to be slammed shut in their faces. They spun back around to face Twilight, who was staring at them with rage burning bright behind her eyes.

“When I said ‘No’, I MEANT ‘NO’!!” Twilight boomed. “None of you will be going off and getting into danger searching for someone who probably doesn’t want to be found! I will not be held accountable for the death of the Element Bearers, for the death of my friends!”

The rumbling in the room came to a halt once Twilight stopped shouting. Her friends looked on in horrified shock at her behavior. Twilight stared at them. They were her friends, but dammit, she was their Princess, and she would have their respect.

“Do you understand me?!” Twilight shouted.

They looked around at each other, not sure of what to say.

“DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME?!”

“Yeah Twilight…” Dash replied.

She stomped an angry hoof, “I AM A PRINCESS, AND YOU WILL ADDRESS ME AS SUCH! DO. YOU UNDERSTAND?!”

They hesitated for a few seconds, before slowly bowing to her,

“Yes…Your Majesty.” They replied in soft unison.

Twilight took more calming breaths, “Good. Now…please leave. I must go and speak to Cadence and Shining about Celestia’s disappearance.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” They responded once again. They turned and left without another word. The door clicked shut and Twilight looked out the window.

‘Your sky is beautiful. The sun and the moon will never rise again. Eventide will never be forced to go below the horizon again. Your time to shine is now, Twilight Sparkle. Your time to call this kingdom your own is now here. Take it. Take it, and never let it go…’

Twilight got a look of determination on her face, “Time for me to fix the damage Celestia has made…”

White Pegasus

Fluttershy was slowly trotting through the Everfree Forest, making sure that any animals still out this late were making it to their homes to turn in for the night. Her mind was still riddled with confusion over the recent confrontation with Twilight. She had been friends with the alicorn for decades, even when she was still just as she used to put it ‘a regular old unicorn’. She had never been one to bring her title of royalty into their arguments. For her to suddenly transform into a power hungry monster was disturbing to the animal caretaker. She was busy rubbing one of the muscle cricks in a bear’s back, when a doe bounded up to her, squealing with panic. Fluttershy looked up at the young deer,

“Are you okay? What’s wrong?”

The deer tapped her hard with her hoof. She squealed and snorted, turning around to face the direction she came from.

“Oh my, a Pegasus? Show me where!”

The deer galloped off, with Fluttershy in tow. They ran through the forest with what felt like forever before they came up to a small group of animals surrounding something. They parted as Fluttershy got closer. She gasped at the sight before her;

A tiny and battered Pegasus filly.

Twigs, leaves, and dirt were laced into her matted pink mane and tail, and her white coat was covered in caked blood from the numerous cuts and bruises. Fluttershy immediately took the filly into her hooves. She was drenched in sweat, and a soft wheezing could be heard from her dry throat. She looked around at the group of critters,

“Thank you all for watching over her. She’s in good hooves.” Fluttershy stated before taking off into the sky. Years of battle had turned given strength to her wings, giving her the speed needed to get home in a hurry. Dash walked up to her in confusion as she placed the tiny body on the couch.

“Fluttershy, is that a-”

“Yes.” Fluttershy cut her off. “She was out in the woods and I couldn’t just leave her out there.”

“I got that, but why was she out there?” Dash started her spew of questions, “Where are her parents? Why wasn’t anyone watching her? Who just goes off into the Everfree Forest alone like that?”

“Hush, Dashie. Don’t forget you used to be hot blooded and bold when you were filly. You still are.” Fluttershy started to wrap bandages around her wounds. “Go get me a glass of water please. I’m sure she’s dehydrated.”

The former Wonderbolt trotted off to retrieve a glass of water. The filly coughed and started to stir. Fluttershy smiled at the sign of life. The tiny Pegasus opened her eyes and looked up at the bigger Pegasus. Her eyes were violet, wide, and afraid.

“Hello there, little one…” Fluttershy greeted her with a gentle tone. “How are you feeling?”

The filly wheezed some more as she attempted to stand.

“Oh dear, please relax.” Fluttershy implored. “We don’t want any of your wounds opening back up…”

The filly looked around at her surroundings, “W-where…where am I?”

“You’re in our house, kid.” Dash answered as she gave the small Pegasus the glass. “She found you out in the woods. You got lucky, you’re pretty banged up.”

The filly quickly gulped down the water, “Thank you, ma’am…”

“Oh geez kid, nah. Not ‘ma’am’. Ma’am makes me feel old. Just call me Dash.”

“And I’m Fluttershy.” She introduced herself. “And what’s your name?”

The filly opened her mouth to speak, but stopped. Fluttershy’s smile faltered and started to fade as the filly’s expression started to morph into one of panic. The filly looked up at her,

“I…I don’t know what my name is. I can’t remember…”

“Well…” Dash took a couple steps closer, “Can you tell us why you were out there in the middle of the forest?”

The filly looked down and shook her head, “I can’t remember.” She plopped down on her haunches as tears started to well up in her eyes, “I can’t remember my name, I can’t remember why I was out in the woods…I CAN’T REMEMBER ANYTHING!” she finished before bawling out.

Dash and Fluttershy looked at each other in panicky confusion. Fluttershy turned back to the filly,

“Would…would you like me to name you?”

Her crying died down to quiet sniffles as she wiped her eyes to look up at Fluttershy, “Huh?”

“Would you like me to name you?” Fluttershy repeated with a smile.

Her tiny head cocked to the side and a tiny smile appeared on her face, “You’d do that?”

“Of course…I would like a name if I didn’t have one.”

The filly snuggled up to her, nuzzle the older Pegasus’ chin with great affection, “Yes! I’d love to have a name!”

The yellow Pegasus rubbed her chin thoughtfully.” She looked at her flank, which was devoid of a Cutie Mark. “Hmm…if you had a Cutie Mark it’d help…but that’s okay!” she took a few more seconds to think. “Well…it was a nothing short of a miracle that nothing worse happened to you out there, and that my animal friends found you. I think…’Miracle’ is an appropriate name for you.”

The filly’s body started to tremble with excitement. “Yes…that will be my name. My name is Miracle!!”

Miracle flung her forelegs around Fluttershy’s neck, “Thank you, Fluttershy! Thank you very very much!”

Fluttershy giggled, “You’re welcome!” she smiled and picked up Miracle, standing on her hindlegs as she did so. She turned to face Dash, who had a deep frown etched onto her face. Flutterhy’s smile shrank, and she set Miracle back onto the couch,

“I’m sure you must be hungry. Why don’t you wait here, and I’ll fetch you something to eat.”

Fluttershy lightly hip checked Dash, a silent command for her to follow her into the kitchen. Fluttesrhy waited until they were in the kitchen and out of earshot before she honed in on her wife,

“What was that look for?”

Dash’s face suddenly hardened, “Don’t do this Fluttershy.” She grumbled and shook her head, “I won’t let you do this to yourself, or to me…”

One of Fluttershy’s eyebrow rose, “What are you talking about? I’m not doing anything.”

“You named her, Fluttershy. She’s not ours. Was she alone? Yes, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t have parents. Parents that are probably losing their shit right now trying to find her. Good on you for finding her and helping her, but she shouldn’t have named her.”

“She didn’t have a name Dash, what was I supposed to do?”

“You could’ve done what I did, and called her ‘kid’.” Dash coldly responded. “Because that’s what she is; a kid.”

Fluttershy scoffed, “But that’s just so impersonal…”

“Its not supposed to be ‘personal’, Fluttershy!” Dash hissed. “She’s not our kid! She’s not Shimmer!”

“Is everything okay in there?” Miracle asked from the living room.

“Yes dear, we’re just trying to figure out what to give you to eat.” Fluttershy calmly replied, thought her eyes were shooting daggers at Dash. She took her head and turned away from her. Dash looked on as she started to grab snacks for Miracle. Dash sighed,

“Flutte-”

Fluttershy raised a hoof, “Don’t speak. You’ve already said what you had to say.”

“I didn’t mean it that way…”

Fluttershy spun around, “So what did you mean? What else could it have possibly meant? You said her name, not me. You brought her into this.”

“Babe…I don’t want you trying to replace her…”

Fluttershy’s anger faltered, “I could never replace her, Rainbow Dash. No one will ever replace our daughter.” She pointed towards the living room. “But that filly could’ve died out there. Whether she has parents or not, they’re not here right now, and she needs our help. And if something as simple as naming her can help her, then I’ll do it. I’ll never turn a blind to someone in need if I can help them. Its in my nature, enough for the Element of Kindness to recognize it. So don’t you dare try to sit there and lecture me, as if I’m doing something brand new!”

Dash’s ears, and gaze dropped. Fluttershy stared at her fore a few moments more before turning back to her task. Dash looked up at her, but remained silent as Fluttershy shot her another look. Fluttershy proceeded to take out a small bowl of oatmeal and apple slices and set the dishes in front of Miracle, giving her a small smile,

“Here you go, little one. Eat up.”

Miracle got a huge and grateful grin on her face. Before she tore into the meal before her. Dash looked on at Miracle with a stoic expression, before walking upstairs. Miracle seemed to feel the negativity in the air.

“Miss Fluttershy, is she okay?”

Fluttershy nodded, “She’s fine. She’s just a tad grumpy.” She looked down at her, “I hope you enjoyed the food. It should keep you full until we find your parents.”

Miracle bit down on her bottom lip for a moment, “What if…I stayed the night?”

Fluttershy sat down beside her, “Why would you want to do that?”

“Its really late. If my parents are out there, they’re going to be pooped from being so worried about me. And I’m tired too. Maybe, I can stay the night, and then we can go out first thing tomorrow to find them?”

A soft smile appeared on Fluttershy’s face, “You’re very thoughtful for such a young filly.” She stood up, “Okay, I have a bed upstairs for the night. Come on, I’ll tuck you in.”

She started to walk upstairs, with Miracle following closely behind her. They continued down a hallway, and Fluttershy stopped at a room to her left. She paused for a moment, taking a few calming breaths before placing a hoof on the doorknob.

“NO!!” Dash roared from the end of the hall. She was quickly upon them, the remnant of a prismatic trail fading as a she skidded to a stop in front of the door.

“Rainbow Dash, what are you doing?!” Fluttershy shouted at her. Miracle took a couple steps back,

“Are you okay, Miss Dash?”

Dash nodded, “Yup! It’s just…this room is kinda scary.”

Miracle shrank, “Scary?”

“Yeah, um, super scary. There’s a ghost in the room, and we don’t open the door because we don’t want it floating all over our house.” She turned to Fluttershy, “Remember Fluttershy? Some things are meant to be left alone.”

Fluttershy glared at Dash as she felt Miracle curl up around her leg.

“It’s okay if I sleep on the couch. I don’t want to wake up Mr. Ghost. I’m going to go back downstairs.”

With that, the filly bolted back down the stairs and into the living room. Fluttershy snapped her teeth around Dash’s ear.

“OW! Hey!!” Dash cried out as she was being led back to their bedroom. She was shoved inside, tripping and falling to the floor. Fluttershy bucked the door shut behind her.

“What in the gods’ names is your problem?!” Fluttershy brayed. Why would you say something like that about Shimmer’s room?!”

“Why would you let some random kid sleep in her room?!” Dash snapped back as she got to her hooves. “You slept in her room for weeks, and now you’re going to let some random kid sleep in our daughter’s bed?”

“SHE’S NOT HERE ANYMORE! She left us to go be with Eternal Slumber! She left…because she stopped loving us…”

Dash stared at her in disbelief, “Are…are you joking right now? You’re supposed to be the more mature of us two.” Her volume dropped a bit, “She was a teenager, almost every teenager goes through that phase. We just…we just didn’t get to see her grow out of it…” she cleared the lump building in her throat and continued. “She was still our kid…she was created from our love. You loved her, Fluttershy…you still do, I know it. I know you said you weren’t, and maybe you don’t realize it, but I think you’re trying to fill the hole in your heart where our daughter was. The thing is…its okay for that hole to be there. But maybe you should try filling it with the happy memories of her, instead of with this kid.”

Fluttershy didn’t respond. Instead, she was giving Dash a dangerous glare. However, Dash did not wither under her gaze, but mirrored it.

“That room belonged to Shimmer Blitz. The kid isn’t going to sleep in there, and she leaves tomorrow.” Dash stated with finality with her voice.

Fluttershy still didn’t respond. She slowly walked past Dash and grabbed a blanket from the closet. She then grabbed a pillow off the bed. Dash looked at her in confusion.

“What are you doing?”

Fluttershy threw the linen on her back, “Normally, I’d make you sleep on the couch, but since someone decided to talk about to Mr. Ghost, she’s going to need to need someone to protect her from it.”

The canary colored Pegasus turned her snout upward and started to open the door, before immediately flinching and letting out a gasp.

Miracle was standing in the middle of the hallway. Her eyes were bloodshot and glassy,

“I-I can leave h-h-here, if you wa-want me t-to…” she stammered out between hiccups. Fluttershy trotted to her and knelt down a little bit,

“No no no, honey. You’re fine. I don’t know what all you heard, but Dash didn’t mean it. Isn’t that right, my love?” she looked over at the Wonderbolt, daring her to give any other answer than the one she desired.

Dash gulped, feeling her blood free. She was getting ‘The Stare’, and although she had heard what it could do, she’d never thought she’d experience it herself.

“Yeah, I didn’t mean it, kid. I’m sorry.” Dash stuck a hoof, “Do you accept my apology?”

Miracle stared at her hoof for a few moments before hesitantly taking it into her own, “I do…”

Fluttershy nodded in approval, “Good. Now, I’ll stay down there and sleep with you tonight, so you wont have to worry about anything scaring you. Okay?”

Miracle nodded and began to walk back down the stairs, hopping up onto the couch and curling up into a little ball. Fluttershy climbed onto the couch and curled around her as Dash looked on. She stared sadly for a few moments more before returning for room for the night. Miracle looked yawned, and looked up at Fluttershy with sleepy eyes,

“Can we tell Miss Dash that she doesn’t have to worry…I would never try to replace someone that she loved so much…”

A sad smile appeared on Fluttershy’s face, “We will…but later. Right now, we’re going to get some good shut eye.” She gave the filly a friendly nuzzle, “Goodnight, little one.”

Miracle yawned again, “Goodnight, Miss Fluttershy…”

-MLP-

“Wake up, White Pegasus…”

Miracle struggled to do so and obey the voice.

"White Pegasus...you are needed..."

She slowly opened her heavy-lidded eyes and looked around in groggy confusion. There was nothing. Nothing but infinite blackness. She started to panic as she felt the terror of being alone gripping at her.

“Calm yourself…and rise…”

She started slowly rose to stand on shaky hooves.

"Now…come…”

Miracle, suddenly filled with renewed vitality, stood tall and proud. She began to gallop, feeling a tug from the voice. The deep void suddenly flashed to an infinite white. Miracle almost slammed into a huge stallion that stood before her.

He was a massive Earth Pony, a fluid star dotted mane and tail warbling and flowing in an unknown breeze. Asteroids streaked throughout the liquid universes that made up his hair, disappearing in the galaxies that floated amongst them, as miniature planets orbited around his form. His coat color was split vertically, the left side a rich onyx color, and the right side a shimmering ivory. His teal eyes focused on the miniscule pony that stood before him. His eyes were gentle, but the sheer power that surged behind them could be easily seen and felt.

“Who are you?” Miracle asked in a tiny voice.

“I am Ubenox…I am the deity of reality, a child of the universe. There has been a great imbalance between peace and chaos.” He carefully sat down, still causing the void around them to rumble under his weight, “The Corrupted One has risen once again, and in a time period so small, that I am mildly surprised.” Light flashed behind his eyes, “You, White Pegasus, are the key to bringing the balance back.”

“But what can I do?” Miracle questioned. “I’m just a little filly. I can’t ‘bring balance back’, or whatever you’re trying to get me to do, Mr. Ubenox.” She huffed a little, “And please, my name is Miracle.”

“But you can. One of the greatest sources of magic lies deep within your core. It is just…blocked by dark magic and corruption." He lowered his head to the ground, and Miracle could see that just one of his eyes was easily bigger than a grown pony. “And that is not your name, White Pegasus. Your name, along with your power and purpose, have been locked away deep inside of you. You are currently one of the most powerful beings to exist at this time. You are a threat to the Corrupted One, and so…you were meant to be destroyed.” He smiled a little, “Your light may just be enough to help fight back against the blackened and twisted soul of the Corrupted One. You will be one of the great heroes and heroines of all sentient creatures. You will have kept evil at bay once more.”

Miracle’s face hardened and looked more mature. Her fierce violet orbs focused onto teal ones, “Who is the ‘Corrupted One’, and how do I beat them?”

Ubenox rose until he was only sitting on his haunches, “You must unlock your full potential. Break the shackles that are chained to your soul, and face that evil with a strong and pure heart…”

“But how do I doo all of those things? I can’t even remember my real name and where I came from, much less do all those things.”

He got up and started to turn away, the world trembling with each hoof step, A dragon of knowledge is what you seek. It is the first step to this journey. Now go forth, White Pegasus. Do what must be done…”

Miracle watched him fade, and her vision drown in a blinding white.

Followers

“Wake up…and rise…”

Fluttershy and Dash’s eyes snapped open. They rose to their hooves and looked around. Horror kickstarted in Fluttershy’s eyes while disbelief took over Dash’s face.

“Ya gotta be fuckin’ kiddin’ me!” they heard Applejack snapped not too far off from them. “Why the hell do we keep endin’ up here?!”

Miracle and the others started to stir as well. They looked at their surroundings and then at the trio. Pinkie was immediately at Applejack’s side, attempting to calm her down. Miracle walked up to Dash and Fluttershy.

“What’s wrong?” she quipped.

Fluttershy didn’t respond. She shuddered and shrank underneath Dash, who placed a protective wing around her. She buried her face into Dash’s chest and started to weep. Dash’s face was contorted into pure, seething rage. Miracle, afraid of the sudden shift in their behavior, backed up and was under Rarity.

“What’s wrong with them?” Miracle asked fearfully. “Why are they acting like this?”

Rarity looked on sadly, “This is place…I think this is the place that Twilight talked to Pinkie and I about…” she looked over at the Earth Ponies. Pinkie was just helplessly staring at Applejack, who was pacing back and forth, still spewing curses. Rarity tentatively approached her,

“Applejack…”

Applejack spun around, her face so contorted into fury, that it unsettled Rarity. She quickly regained her composure and looked at the orange pony with a determined calmness.

“Applejack, you need to calm down.”

“Calm down?” Applejack repeated. “CALM DOWN?! Ah’m not calmin’ the hell down. This is the place that put Dash, Shy, an Ah in the damn hospital! I almost got murdered here! This is where…” Applejack faded off into angry mumbling, turning away from her to continue pacing.

Realization dawned on Rarity’s features. She stared at her a few moments more before looking over at Dash and Fluttershy. Miracle brushed one of Rarity’s forelegs with a wing.

“Miss Rarity, what wrong…”

“This…” Rarity swallowed, “This is where it all started. Where Applejack, Fluttershy, and Dash…got to see their parents again…their dead parents…”

Horror covered Miracle’s face. She turned and galloped back to Fluttershy and Dash. She snuggled into Dash’s chest, earning the cyan Pegasus’ attention. Miracle looked up into her with hardened eyes. They were glassy. Not with the threat of tears, but the threat of untamable wrath if it was freed.

“What do you want kid?” Dash questioned harshly.

Miracle bit her bottom lip for a moment, trying to think of the right thing to say. She focused on Dash again,

“Miss Rarity told me what happened, and yet, you’re not crying. I know you’re a tough pony, and that you’re not going to cry…” tears started to well up in her eyes, “So…I’ll cry for you…”

With that, Miracle weeped for her. She cried with Fluttershy, while the light seemed to leave Dash’s eyes and she pulled both Pegasi closer into her wings. Rarity joined Pinkie, and snuggled up to the other side of Applejack’s powerful form.

“There is a reason I have brought you here…” a gentle voice stated as a ball of light lowered itself in front of the group. The ethereal orb morphed until it formed itself into the celestial stallion from the tomes. Rarity knelt before him,

“It is an honor to be graced with your presence.” Rarity stated humbly. “Forgive my friends for not bowing. They do not truly understand who you are.”

“That is understandable. You need not bow before me anyway. I value each of my followers, and do not see them as being beneath me. So rise, Follower Rarity.”

She nodded, “Thank you, Great One.” She quickly rose to her hooves. She turned to the others,

“Just let me do the talking.” She whispered. She looked down at Miracle, “Please, don’t say anything until he asks you himself, okay?”

Miracle nodded and made a zipper motion over her mouth. Rarity turned back to Ubenox,

“We’re terribly sorry to have committed the actions we have done to receive the chance to meet you, Great One. They gave me their complete trust and followed me into this plane, and as such, I take full responsibility for them.” Rarity began. “But, it seems that our filly here,” she pointed a hoof in Miracle’s direction, “has had the pleasure of being blessed with your presence. Even greater, you have bestowed a task that only she can do. However…she is lost, and not sure what she must do next. We are here to help her, and to carry out your mission as well, if you so wish it.”

Ubenox nodded, “This is true. She has been given a mission.” He looked over at the others, “And the reason I have brought you here, is this is where your group first encountered the Corrupted One.”

Applejack stepped forward, “We ain’t never met the Corrupted One. This is where we witnessed a first-hoof experience of Luna’s treachery.”

Rarity shot her a look, “Applejack! Do you not speak unless spoken to!”

“All is well, Follower Rarity. She witnessed something that is terrible and vile. She has every right to speak.” Ubenox stated before returning his focus to Applejack. “You are Applejack…the daughter of the Earth Ponies Earligold and Ambrosia…”

Applejack slowly nodded in agreeance, “That Ah am…”

He focused on the other two orphans.

“Blue Pegasus…you are Rainbow Dash, daughter of the Pegasi Rainbow Burst and Firefly.”

“Yellow Pegasus…you are Fluttershy, daughter of the Pegasi of Thunder Soar and Gentle Wind.”

Both Pegasi nodded in confirmation. His focus on them honed in even sharper.

“You three have encountered the power of the Corrupted One…think hard…”

The trio looked at one another. Fluttershy looked up at him,

“I…I don’t understand. The only one we saw was…” she trailed off as realization kicked in. She looked up,

“Luna was the Corrupted One?”

“In a sense. The Corrupted One had been feeding into her thoughts for thousands of years. She was almost too powerful for it…which is why it had taken so long for it to rear its ugly head once more.” He let his hooves touch the earth, a small surge of power rippled through the field in process. He slowly walked closer to them, “In the end…it had taken hold of her soul. She ended up becoming the killer of the night, snatching souls away in their dreams, much to the enjoyment of the Corrupted One. “

He sat down on his haunches and lowered his head to get eye-to-eye with them. His eyes slowly scanned over them, and they all shrank under his gaze.

“All of you are indeed powerful…” he began. “I am aware that you’re all Bearers of the Elements of Harmony. They amplify the strength that lies within your cores. Together...you are a force that even impresses the gods.” He smiled “Why, it seems like you could handle anything that appeared in your plane under normal circumstances.” His smile disappeared, “But it seems that the Elements are a bit weaker right now. Where lies the Element of Magic?”

Dash stepped forward, “That element belongs to Twilight, who’s been an absolute asshole as of late…”

“Rainbow Dash!! LANGUAGE!” Rarity scolded.

“You think I care? He needs to know what’s going on if he’s going to help us!” Dash snapped back. She looked up at Ubenox, “We’d normally go to her for help, but she’s following some stupid rule book, that she’s turning against her best friends! The damn book is probably called ‘Being A Princess 101’ or some shit like that…”

“Twilight…” he sat back up and rubbed his chin with a massive hoof, “Twilight Sparkle, Princess and one of the rulers of Equestria.”

“More like the only ruler of Equestria.” Applejack pointed out. “Princess Celestia vanished inta thin air a few days ago…”

“And it was then that the gods and goddesses sent me out into the void…” he sat up straight, “The Corrupted One has risen once more.”

Miracle trotted up to him, “I remember you telling me that, Mr. Ubenox. That’s why I did what you asked and talked to Mr. Spike…and Miss Rarity helped us from there to get to you, but we don’t know what to do next…”

“I knew that you would need help, White Pegasus. This is a weight that would simply be too great to place on one’s shoulders. Now share your burden and handle this, together. And now that I know your minds are capable of these visions, you will be able to receive them without the assistance of mind altering substances.” He rose to his hooves, “The next step will be to go forth, and destroy the seeds of corruption. This will stir up the Corruption, and bring it to the light. Go forth, my followers, and carry out what I have commanded. Prepare yourselves, for when it rises up, it will be angry, and seeking out blood."

The group nodded in obedience. He started to walk away, and the moon glowed brighter and brighter until their vision turned to white…

The Monster In The Mirror

Three months.

EvenTide had painted the heavens for three months, except for one day. For one day, the sun was out for the entirety of the day.

And that day was to pay respect to Celestia, the beloved Princess of the Sun.

Twilight pulled the entire populace of Canterlot into the borders of the castle city itself. She knew the populace wouldn’t be able to comprehend the thought of what she had truly done to the former Head Ruler of Equestria. So she told them something that while it would shake her subjects to their cores, it was something they’d be able to wrap their brains around;

Celestia was dead. Dead by suicide.

The pain of losing her sister was too much. She had lost her best friend and the only living relative she had left. She no longer had anyone she could truly confide in. That she wished Cadence and herself had been worthy of her trust…but that she understood. They were not her sisters. She would always hold Celestia in high regards and have nothing but love and respect for her. She advised that her subjects should do the same, and do their best not to look down on the choice she made, given her circumstances.

Of course, it was all a lie…but the public accepted it none the less.

At least…most of them did.

There were a few though. A few who could see the lie that she laced with false comfort. A few, that while they didn’t believe Twilight had murdered Celestia, did think that the alicorn had done something to usurp the Sun Princess. A thought like that would spread like wildfire throughout Equestria if Twilight had allowed it.

But course, she would never allow that.

The moment that the idea of Twilight committing foul play had escaped someone’s lips, they were scooped up by Canterlot’s guards and taken back to the castle.

Most never made it back home. And if they did, they were never the same.

A growing fear of Twilight started to sprout here and there throughout the kingdom. The princess didn’t want it to be this way. She wanted her citizens to respect her, not fear her. So, she decided to do acts of kindness throughout the land. Host a few parties here, create more beautiful crystals there, donate to charities, anything she could do to quell the uneasiness in her kingdom.

And it worked.

Before long, their fear was gone, replaced by unwavering loyalty and servitude to Twilight. More parties reigned on, and Twilight was at the peak of power once more.

She stepped out onto her balcony and looked out at the city. The streets bustled at all times of EvenTide, filled with happy citizens who loved being under her protection. She smiled in satisfaction.

“Your kingdom looks beautiful…”

She turned and glanced over at the vanity by her bed. She slowly walked up to it and met herself in the mirror. She smiled at the form that lied within the reflective glass,

“Why thank you. I’ve been doing pretty well so far with ruling the kingdom.”

Her eyes in the mirror were a deep ebony circling crimson irises. They crinkled as her reflection’s lips curled into a twisted smile,

“Yes…you have done well…so well, that I think others may try to cut your success a bit short…”

Twilight frowned a little, “What makes you say that?”

“Your so-called friends want to hurt you. They want to bring Celestia back and try to stop you.”

“No…they didn’t. they wanted to find her because they’re friends with her. They are far too sweet to try and hurt me. They’d never hurt me.”

“And yet, those same ‘friends’ were willing to fight their own parents to help Celestia keep the kingdom.what do you think they’re going to do to you when they find out what you’ve done?”

Twilight rolled her eyes, “What I’ve done doesn’t even remotely compare to what Eternal Slumber did. Besides, they’re not even going to find out. I am the most powerful Princess in on the planet. Not even Discord could challenge my power, much less them…”

“They’re not just some regular ponies though, are they?” her reflection pointed her crown, “They share a power with you, which would be quite a problem if you don’t take care of it.”

“They don’t understand just how powerful the Elements are alone. They think the only thing they can do is heal them quickly and expand the longevity of their lives.”

“What if they do though? What if they find out just how powerful they are? It would be their Elements against your own. You may be powerful, but do not forget, the Elements have slain and tamed enemies that were just as strong as you are.”

“They wouldn’t use them against me. Besides, not even the other Princess fully understood the knowledge of Elements of Harmony. Even I don’t fully understand them, despite knowing more than anyone else. There’s no one in Equestria that matches my knowledge.”

“But there is a being out there who does…”

Twilight honed in on her twisted counterpart, “Go on…”

“There is someone out there.” Her reflection repeated. “Or should I say…some dragon…”

Twilight’s eyes widened and bit her lip in discomfort. One horrified laced tone, slipped from her lips;

“Spike.”

She’d bring Spike into this world with her magic, and he had been with her ever since she was a filly. Despite birthing him, they both easily accepted that their relationship was that of siblings. On top of being her brother, he was her assistant, constantly fiddling with books for as long as he was able to hold on. And as he got older, he switched from constantly reading his comic books to tomes on the theoretical birth of the cosmos. Astrology, medicine, chemistry, alchemy…anything that could expand his mind, he’d read. About a year before he left Ponyville, he expanded his magic beyond that of his ability to send letters via flame. And that was ten years ago. There was no telling just how powerful the dragon had become. He could be a threat…

A threat that needed to be taken care of.

“You should go and get rid of the dragon, before he cripples your perfect kingdom.”

“I will go and talk to Spike. He’s still my little brother. Not to mention he’s been up in the mountains all these years, minding his business. I doubt he knows too much about what’s going on right now.”

The eyes in her reflection stared deep into her, narrowing with focus. Twilight suddenly felt herself get tingly, and then a sudden numbness. She shivered a little before smiling,

“Time to go and see Spike…”

-MLP-

Spike was surrounded by tiny blue and purple spurts of fire. His eyes were shut and his breathing was slow. He used his meditation time to focus his magic, using it to feel the towns and forests around his mountain. He loved this time, the time to feel the calmness around him. So peaceful..so quiet…

EVIL.

He could feel it. Something dark and angry was near his mountain. It was getting closer, and fast. Whatever was coming towards him was incredibly powerful. It was on his mountain. It was the entryway to his home.

It was gone.

“Spike?”

Spike opened his eyes, and looked over in the direction of an all too familiar voice. He smiled gently as Twilight slowly approached him.

“Ah, Twilight…” he rose to his feet and looked down at her, “It’s a pleasure to see you again, Sister. It’s been about…oh, 11 years now…” he went and sat down at his dragon sized desk and jotted down a quick tone on a piece of parchment.

“How have you been doing?” Twilight asked as she teleported herself to Spike’s desk. The dragon quickly rolled up the parchment,

“I’m doing quite well.” He blew his signature green fire onto the parchment, sending it away to wherever he wished, “And yourself?”

Twilight smirked, “Oh, you know, just ruling a kingdom is all.” She arched a brow, “So…what was that you just sent out?”

“It was a response to a dear friend of mine who resides in Saddle Arabia. We’ve been engaged in a deep conversation for a while now.” He cooly replied. He rested his head in one of his hands, “What brings you to my mountain? I haven’t seen you since I left Ponyville.”

“I ended up moving back to Canterlot…but that’s besides the point.” Her tone suddenly tuned serious. “I came to have a little chat with you.”

His soft smile disappeared. “Oh? What about?”

“I don’t know how much information you get about the rest of the world from inside your cave. But-”

“Oh, I get plenty of information.” Spike interrupted. “Celestia committing suicide to join her sister in the afterlife.” He shook his head and clicked his tongue. “Such sad news.”

“Quite terrible indeed…” Twilight agreed.

“Or…it would be…if it were true…”

Twilight looked up at him, “What are you talking about?”

The dragon stood up, his gaze hardened on her, “She didn’t kill herself. She would never fall that far into her depression. I don’t know what you’ve done to her, but I do know that you’re the main cause of her disappearance.” He rubbed his chin, “We grew up together, and you’re my big sister, but you’re not the same pony I knew. So…whoever you are now, is not someone I’m going to speak with.” Smoke started to pour from his nostrils, “Leave now, Twilight Sparkle.”

Twilight’s horn glowed dangerous, “Spike, I can’t do that. You know too much. I have to-”

“Do what? Slay the dragon?” Spike snarled. “I don’t care who you are…I will not allow you to kill me!”

Twilight fired off a burst of magic. Spike instinctively threw up an arm to block the attack. He roared, the sound causing the cave to tremble. Twilight splayed her wings and brayed in response. It had been made clear that Spike had grown into a very powerful dragon. She fired another, much more powerful beam. His hand was covered in red fire, and he quickly waved it in front of him, instantly creating a shield made of fire. Twilight smiled,

“Wow, Spike…you’ve learned some real magic I see.”

Spike’s expression remained frozen, “You never know what you will need it for.” Flames around his fists suddenly burst to life,

“You never know when evil will show it’s face again.”

‘See? He said you’re evil because you don’t act like everyone else. Because you better want your kingdom.’

Her horn glowed a fierce violet, and sparked with black electricity. Her eyes shut tight as the power around her horn grew wilder. When they snapped open, black veins crawled over her eyes. Her pupils dilated. Wisps of wild violet magic danced at the edges of her transformed orbs. Spike’s expression turned to surprise.

“Twilight…”

“I am not evil! I am still your sister, Spike! You know I’m not evil! I’m just making changes to Equestria!!”

“You’re not making changes! You’re going to destroy everything!”

A lavender crystal suddenly exploded from the ground directly in front of Spike. His eyes went wide, and the cave became heavy silence. A small and steady ‘plip’ broke the silence. Spike looked down,

A lavender translucent crystal was plunged into his abdomen. He slowly moved to touch it, and felt the muscles in his back scream in agony. He painfully looked over his shoulder to see that the crystal had indeed impaled him, noticing a few chunks of his flesh snagged onto the tip. He looked back at Twilight, betrayal and hurt clear in his eyes.

‘The dragon has indeed been slayed.’

“Twilight…”

The evil spark in Twilight’s eyes vanished, replaced with an expression of silent horror. Her horn flashed, and the crystal retracted back into the earth. He staggered forward and fell to his knees. The steady drip was now a torrent. He was losing blood, and fast. Light blue fire surrounded the wound to cauterize it, but the damage was still too great. His teeth clacked together as his chin hit the dirt. His vision started to blur in the corner of his eyes. Twilight galloped up to him,

“I didn’t want to do this, Spike! You didn’t leave me any choice…”

“You did…” he coughed up a spurt of blood, “You chose to betray your kingdom, you chose to betray your friends, and you chose to betray me…your own brother…”

Twilight said nothing.

“And you betrayed me in the worst way. I never though I would die at the hooves of my own sister.”

‘Yes…you will die like a pathetic little lizard.’

Twilight shook her head as an eerie calmness overtook her, “You’re still my brother…I’d never kill you. but you know too much, and I can’t let you have the freedom of continuing to wander about.” Her eyes glowed violet, “Rest brother. I want you to see the rise of my kingdom, and a new era…”

Power Of The White Pegasus

“Hey kid, wake up!”

Miracle groaned and rolled over, letting out a grunt as she felt her body hit the floor with a thud. She shook her head and opened her heavy eyelids. Dash was standing in over her with a strange expression on her face.

“Did I do something wrong?” she asked in a groggy tone. Her eyes went wide and she slapped a hoof over her mouth.

She sounded older.

She put her hoof down and looked up at Dash,

“What’s wrong with my voice?”

Dash rubbed a hoof on the back of her head, “It’s not just your voice, kid. When’s the last time you’ve looked in a mirror?”

Miracle stared up at her for a second, before bolting to the bathroom. Her wings smacked the walls, making her panic even more. That wasn’t a problem before she went to bed. She slid into the bathroom, shock covering her face as she stared at her reflection.

She had grown.

Dash followed her into the bathroom. Miracle was now a couple inches taller than her. Her mane and tail were long a slightly flowing. Her face, her neck, all of her, far more slender and mature looking.

“Who are you?!”

Miracle jumped and flared her wings open in surprise, smacking Dash into the wall and earning a grumbled curse from her. They clasped tightly around her aged form,

“I’m so sorry!” she apologized as she turned around. Fluttershy was standing in the doorway, surprise in her eyes.

“Who are you?”

Miracle pawed at the ground, “Fluttershy…it’s me…Miracle…”

Fluttershy’s jaw dropped. She stepped closer, placing a hoof on the filly-turned-mare’s cheek, and examining her.

“Wow…”

Miracle pulled away from her and looked back at her reflection with a serious look on her face,

“My powers are returning to me, just like Ubenox said.” She looked back at them, “Along with my memory.”

Dash was about to ask what she was talking about, when a furious pounding rang through the house. The cyan Pegasus flew downstairs to answer the door. She opened it to see a panicked Rarity standing at the doorframe,

“Where’s Miracle?!” Rarity blubbered.

“She’s upstairs trying to figure something out…why? What’s up?”

Rarity didn’t answer her. Instead, she ran past her and galloped upstairs. She screeched to a halt as she took in Miracle’s new form.

“You’re getting your powers back!”

Miracle only nodded.

The Unicorn reached into her saddle pack and took out a rolled up paper, “I had been conducting one of my bi-weekly gem searches, and as soon as I stepped inside my house, I found this in the middle of the floor.” She put it on the floor and opened it. “It’s from Spike!”

The group surrounded it and began reading its contents.

“My dear friends,

Ever since the ‘Eternal Slumber Massacre’, I have been feeling…changes in the world. Forces of good and evil that are in motion for something far greater than we’ve ever faced before. When you all showed up to my home, I felt something in that filly that was brought with you. she sis powerful…a magnificent strength resides in her. And her speaking of Ubenox only solidified that thought. It was for that reason that I had begun writing this letter in hopes of helping you to the best of my abilities. I also felt that my assistance would be met with severe consequences. If you are reading this, then unfortunately, my prediction has came true. If it is indeed the Corrupted One that comes for me, I have a strong feeling that it will attempt to kill me. I ask that you stay away from my cave. Whatever has come for me, may return even if it is successful. I don’t know if whatever evil shows up will know that I have helped you, but for safety purposes…I suggest you leave Ponyville. The town is still far too small, and you will be far too easy to find. Miracle…this part is for you…”

Miracle gulped.

“As I have previously stated in this letter, you are incredibly powerful. You are strong. you have a chance to beat whatever this evil is. You are the heroine in this story. Now, etch your name into history and banish whatever this evil is once more. We may not see each other again, so I would like to take the opportunity to say that it was a pleasure to meet you.

-Spike, the ‘Dragon of Knowledge’-“

Miracle looked up at the other mares once more. Rarity had a single tear travel down her face, and the Pegasis couple were looking at each other with sad expression on their faces. Anger bubbled up inside of her,

“Its time for me to leave.”

Surprise covered the trio’s faces. Fluttershy was the first to speak up,

“B-but you can’t. Ubenox said that we needed us to help you in this!”

“Look at what ‘helping me’ did!” Miracle snapped back, “Spike only met me once. One time. And he helped me only once! And not he’s gone! The Corrupted One has gotten him, and its all my fault! So this will be my fight, and my fight alone!”

“But kid, you still haven’t found the seeds of corruption.” Dash pointed out.

“I will, but I’m going to do it on my own. I’m sorry, but I can’t and wont continue to put you all in danger.” She walked over and hugged Fluttershy and Dash, “Thank you so much for taking me in.” she looked over at Dash, “I don’t know if Fluttershy ever told you…but I never wanted to replace your daughter. I needed up, and she helped me.” she sheepishly rubbed one of her forelegs, “Even though you don’t like me, I think you’re an amazing pony, and I’m glad you at least tolerated me for as long as you did.”

She released them from her grasp and started to walk downstairs. Rarity looked back and forth between the couple and Miracle as she trotted away, stammering in confusion. She rolled her eyes and looked at her closest friends,

“Am I going to have to be the one to say something about this? Really?” she exasperated. She jumped up and followed Miracle, stopping her from walking out the front door. She jumped in front of her and kicked the door shut. Miracle’s eyes went wide,

“Miss Rarity! What-”

“No, stop. You made your point perfectly clear.” Rarity interrupted. “And now that you have, its my turn to speak. Spike helped you for the greater good. He knew what he was doing, and knew what you were. You are someone so powerful, that the Corrupted One is doing whatever it can to help you, because it knows you can stop it. Now, I’m a believer of Ubenox. I’m one of his followers. He told us to help you, and even if everyone else decided not to help you, which I’m very doubtful of…I’m not going to continue to do so.” She leaned in, “Do you understand?”

Miracle slowly nodded. Rarity patted her shoulder and called the other two to the front door.

“We need to go get Applejack and Pinkie and get out of here.” Rarity stated. The others nodded and followed her out the door.

-MLP-

“Ah’m not leavin’ the farm.”

Rarity started to protest, “But Applejack-”

“No!!” Applejack screamed. “There ain’t no one else now! Granny Smith died years ago, Apple Bloom because of Luna’s fucked up mind, an’ Big Mac can’t work no more. Its me an’ Pinkie, an’ that’s when she ain’t got her own job at the bakery!” she stomped a hoof, “Equestria could be goin’ ta Tartarus now fer all Ah care, because Ah’m not leavin’ mah home.”

Dash rubbed her temples, “AJ, the Corrupted One is probably heading this way to kill us. We can’t save the world if we’re dead. So…c’mon, let’s go.”

“No.”

“Applejack-”

“Ah ain’t leavin.”

Pinkie took a couple steps forward, “Jackie…”

“Nope.”

“Applejack, I’m your girlfriend, and we are going to talk about this.” Pinkie snapped, her voice changing to match her anger.

Applejack sat in silence.

“We are in danger, Applejack. We have to leave. If you stay here, and what Spike says is true, what do you think is going to happen? The Corrupted One is going to come here and probably destroy Sweet Apple Acres! Even if we did somehow survive the Corrupted One’s attack, all of this,” Pinkie waved her hooves in the air, “will be gone. Is that what you want?”

Applejack shook her head. Pinkie gently caressed her cheeks,

“Over the past couple of years, I’ve grown to call this farm a place to stay, not my home. Do you know why?”

“Why, Sugar?”

“Because silly…‘home is where the heart is’!” Pinkie giggled, “My heart is with you. You’re my home. We could always rebuild Sweet Apple Acres if something happens to it, but I can’t rebuild or replace you…”

A sweet smile formed on Applejack’s face, and she leaned forward to give her partner a kiss. Pinkie returned it with equal affection.

“But…but what about Big Mac?”

Pinkie scoffed, “You and I both know he’s got Cherilee. This will be just the reason he needs to move in with her.”

Applejack sat in silence, gathering her thoughts. She stood up,

“Ah’m goin’ ta go an’ talk ta Cherilee. Pinkie, if ya’d be so kind, can ya start packin’ fer us?”

Pinkie nodded and trotted upstairs. Fluttershy looked over at Miracle,

“What’s wrong? You haven’t said a word since we left the house.”

“I’m making you all leave your lives behind for me.” Miracle spoke softly. “Everything you all have worked for…and you just have to leave it all for me…”

“This isn’t just for you.” Dash stated, “This is big, and the Corrupted One doesn’t wanna take over the universe, it wants to destroy it. We are guardians. Usually just for Equestria…but what the hell, we do what we do, and no one does it better!” she patted Miracle’s back, “So let’s get outta here.”

Miracle nodded and smiled, “Let’s do it!”

-MLP-

“Why are we wanderin’ around the Everfree Forest?” Applejack questioned. “Ah don’t see why we don’t get help from Twilight. She was probably just cranky about us bein’ all up in her space.”

Miracle shook her head, “We can’t go back to the Canterlot Castle. I don’t have my memory back…but something is telling me we need to stay away from there…” she got a determined look on her face. “No…far too dangerous.”

“Danger? Inside the castle?” Rarity questioned. “That’s absurd!”

She squeaked in surprise as she tripped, her head bouncing off the ground and kicking dust up around her. She quickly sat up and patted her mane. Fluttershy was instantly beside her and helping her up,

“Oh dear, are you okay?”

“I’m fine, I’m fine.” She replied as she dusted herself off. “I seem to have stumbled over a root or rock or something…”

“Or something!” Pinkie replied. “Look!”

The group looked back over their shoulders. Pinkie was focused on a small, light lavender crystal. Rarity walked up to it and began to examine it.

“It appears to be one of Twilight’s EvenTide crystals.” Rarity started. “Although…it seems far too small to produce any adequate light or heat.”

Applejack got closer and tapped it, “Maybe this lil’ feller is just startin’ out.” She smirked, “Like an apple seed!”

“Applejack, this isn’t a plant.” Rarity replied. “Normal crystals take thousands of years to make. When Twilight makes them, they only take a few minutes for her to do so.” She leaned in closer to examine it further, “Why would she make this one this small?”

None of them responded. They had no answer to give.

“…seed…”

All of their ears perked up.

“Destroy…”

Miracle rose up on her hindlegs, then slammed her forehooves onto the tiny crystal. A burst of magic made her stumble as it shattered into thousands of shards.”

“These crystals served no purpose to help us.” Miracle stated is a low tone. “Those things…they chased me…”

“Pardon? How in tarnation does a shiny rock get up an’ chase ya?”

“EvenTide Crystals aren’t like regular crystals. They’re alive…and dangerous…

“Twilight is definitely someone that can give life to inanimate objects.”

Fluttershy squeaked in surprise as an EvenTide crystal shot up from the earth next to her. Twilight’s face appeared in it,

“What are you girls doing out there?” Twilight questioned. “The Everfree Forest than it used to be! You could get hurt out there!” she honed in on Miracle with narrowed eyes, “…Who’s that?”

Miracle stepped forward, “My apologies, Your Majesty. I’m new to Ponyville, and they decided to be my tour guides of the surrounding area.”

“All of them?”

Dash gave a plastic chuckle, “We were bored!”

There was a heavy pause as Twilight stared at them,

“I see…well, either way, you should really get out of there. There’s plenty of things out there beside Timberwolves that would love to take a bite of you girls.”

Fluttershy nodded, “We appreciate the warning, Your Majesty. We’ll be on our way.”

Twilight waved a hoof dismissively, “Relax…I’m till your friend. That isn’t necessary.”

Pinkie arched a brow and tilted her head, “But…you yelled at us not too long ago for not saying it.” She took a couple steps towards the crystal, “Are you alright? You sick or something?”

Twilight frowned a little, “Yes…I’m fine. I was just in a really bad mood, and it pertained to this…whole situation. That’s not an excuse though, and my behavior was unacceptable…”

Pinkie gave her one of her trademark smiles, “Okie Dokie! As long as you’re feeling okay, then I forgive you!”

Twilight smiled back, “Thank you.” her smile shrank, “But seriously, get back home safely. I don’t want any of you getting hurt, or worse…”

The group nodded in unison and turned to leave. They felt the ground rumble as the crystal disappeared back into the dirt. They all turned to confirm that it was gone.

“How did she know we were out here?” Fluttershy asked. “I didn’t see any other crystals out here…”

“Except for that small one…” Dash faded off in realization. She looked at the others, “I think she’s following us…”

“Fer what though?” Applejack asked. “We ain’t doin’ nothin’ wrong.”

Rarity looked back at where the crystal disappeared, “Perhaps…Twilight is walking the same path as Luna…”

Pinkie gasped, “Don’t say that! She’s just stressed out over everything that’s happened!”

“Well, she’s up to something!” Dash snapped back. “And now, we need to go find out what it is!”

Applejack was about to speak up, but Fluttershy let out a terrified scream.

It was too late.

A mass of fur, scales, and crystal slammed itself into the orange Earth Pony. It rose up on its hind legs, it massive hooves crunching the branches beneath them. The deep violet crystals that jutted randomly throughout its body crackled with electricity, causing it to twitch occasionally. It let out a roar before leaning it’s bear-like head towards Applejack, until their snouts were nearly touching.

“GET AWAY FROM HER!!” Pinkie roared out as she broke into a furious gallop. Its tail rose up and turned to face her. Upon a quick investigation, and to her horror, she realized that there was a cobra’s head attached to that body. It let out an angry hiss, then struck. Pinkie threw as much of her weight to one side as she could to avoid a direct blow, but a curved fang still sliced the skin on her shoulder.

“Pinkie Pie!!” Fluttershy screamed. Terror replaced rage as she streamlined towards the monster. She slammed her body into its torso, knocking it off balance, and giving Applejack the chance to escape. It stood back up and swiped one of its scaled paws at her, her slamming Fluttershy into a tree with a sickening crack. Dash immediately raced over to examine her. A huge gash ran above one of her eyebrows, exposing the skull beneath it.

“Fluttershy, wake up!” Dash screamed, as she wiped the blood from her wife’s face. “We gotta get you somewhere safe! Get up!”

No response.

“Fluttershy, GET UP!” Her voice cracked in higher pitches with her panic. “Please!!”

Her eyelids didn’t even flitter.

The monster lumbered over to them. Miracle landed in between the beast and the Pegasi. Her violet eyes gleamed dangerously. The thing let out a roar. She brayed back with equal ferocity.

“STAY AWAY FROM THEM!!”

It ignored her, lumbering towards her faster, until it turned into a full on charge.

She did too.

Her body glowed with a near-blinding golden life. She tackled the creature, shoving it through several trees before they slammed into a thick trunk. It quickly rose back to its hooves, and charged once more. Miracle’s wings splayed and took a stance, her hooves crumbling the earth beneath them. Her eyes glowed bright gold as it closed in. The animal was only a few feet away, when a golden aura surrounded it. It was trapped in a magical grasp.

Miracle’s magical grasp.

Miracle roared, and the others looked on at her in slight fear.

From nowhere, a flame burst to life on one of its arms. It tried to move to pat it out, only to realize it was immobile. It writhed and squirmed to escape, but it was futile. One by one, tiny fires appeared on its body and grew in their size. The beast let out a pained cry as its body was consumed by the fire. The flames burned away at its flesh and muscle, and it was then that the group made a shocking discovery.

Its skeleton was made of crystal.

Deep violet crystal that sparked with black electricity. It spasmed violently for a few more moments, before the skeleton turned a deep black. The magical grasp dissipated, and the crystal bones dropped to the ground. The glowing in Miracle’s eyes vanished, and she wobbled from the use of newly acquired magic. She quickly shook off the dizziness, and turned to go and check up on Fluttershy. Her Element had healed her enough to where the brain matter and skull no longer showed, but it was still deep enough to where it would cause Fluttershy great pain when she woke up. Pinkie’s wound had healed up, but she was still dizzy from some of the residual venom from the half strike. Applejack was at Pinkie’s side, nuzzling her as a few tears slipped from her eyes,

“Dammit Pinkie…don’t scare me like that…”

Pinkie weakly smiled, “This was not the kind of surprise I’d normally give…”

Fluttershy squeezed her eyes tightly, before slowly opening them. Dash gently cupped her face,

“Are you alright?”

Fluttershy gave a slight nod, “I’m okay. I just have a very bad headache…”

Rarity stepped forward, “That’s expected…considering you just suffered from massive head trauma.” She knelt down beside her, “You’ll be okay though, your Element will see to it.” She looked up at Miracle and rose to her hooves, “You though…you used magic…”

Miracle’s wings clasped tightly to her sides, “I don’t know what came over me…”

The cyan Pegasus left Fluttershy in Rarity’s care as she approached Miracle,

“You saved us from that freaky monster.” Dash began. “You cared so much, that you managed to use Unicornian magic to protect us. You looked out or me…even when I wasn’t so sure about you.” she stared at Miracle for a few moments, before gently pulling her into a hug,

“I can’t ever thank you enough, Miracle…” Dash whispered softly.

Miracle smiled as happy tears glassed her eyes and nuzzled into Dash’s neck. “Thank you so much, I can’t tell you how much that means to me…”

They embraced for a little while before Rarity had to cut it short,

“I see why Ubenox has so much faith in you. You’re not normal…” Rarity stood before the huggers, "He was right...no one can stand against the Corrupted One like you. You are the key to our salvation.”

She started to bow before Miracle, but the Pegasus ceased her actions,

“Please…don’t.” she asked. “I’m just a Pegasus, nothing more. I’m not a goddess or anything of the sort, and I don’t want to be treated like I’m anything else.”

Rarity quickly nodded., before regaining her posture, “Very well then, that’s completely understandable.”

Pinkie looked over at the crystal skeleton, “What was that thing?”

Applejack followed her gaze, “Ah don’t know, but it looks like its one of them ‘livin’ crystals’ Miracle was talkin’ about.”

Miracle stepped up to the pile, “This was a creation of the Corrupted One…soldier to do its bidding.” She looked at the others, “I’m sorry, but I believe that Princess Twilight may have something to do with this…”

Fluttershy shook her head, “The skeleton didn’t match the color of Twilight’s crystals. We fought a unicorn who used crystals similar to this, and that required dark magic. Twilight never even practiced dark magic.”

“I dunno…” Dash argued. “I wouldn’t put it past her to at least read up on it. She’s an egghead, and she’s got the power to back up any experiment she feels like doing. Who’s to say she hasn’t tried it at least once?”

“Ah can understand her curiosity about tryin’ a spell or two.” Applejack began, “But ta make a monster like that, an’ then have it attack us? Twilight may be goin’ through some weird phase right now…but she ain’t evil.”

“Not evil…but corrupted…”

They all focused on Rarity.

“We need to go see her and find out what the hell is going on.” Dash declared.

Fluttershy shook her head, “We can’t its not like we’re fighting against Luna. She’s got an Element of Harmony. She’s far more powerful than she was before, and with the way she’s been acting, there’s no telling if she’ll hold back if we try to fight her.” She rose to her hooves, “We should heed Spike’s warning and get out of here until we can figure something out…”

“But where can we go?” Miracle asked, “Princess Twilight has shown that her power reaches far and wide. Where can we hide out until we get our thoughts together and come up with a proper plan?”

There was a minute of silence throughout the group, until Pinkie started bouncing vigorously. She leapt away from the group and into the woods. They watched as she hit the dirt with an audible spring in her step,

“Sugar, whatcha doin’?”

“I know where we can go!” Pinkie announced gleefully.

Fluttershy tilted her head curiously, “Where?”

Pinkie continued bouncing away as she screamed her response,

“The Crystal Empire!!”

Corruption

Twilight snapped upright from her slumber. She looked out the window, her ears swiveled vigorously as she tried to pinpoint the source of her disturbance. She jumped out of bed and trotted over to her window. Her eyes scanned over the castle grounds before settling onto the fringes of the Everfree Forest.

“They almost got killed…” she softly spoke to no one in particular.

"They should’ve been killed off already…” a voice grumbled back.

She looked over her shoulder at the vanity and walked over to it. Her dark reflection was glowering at her.

“Why do you continue to let them run freely?”

Twilight didn’t respond.

The vanity trembled from the mirror being slammed. “WHY?!”

Twilight raised a brow, “Is there any reason in particular that you’re so upset?”

The reflection sighed and crossed her forelegs, “I’m upset because I worry. I feel like you’re not going to reach your full potential because you don’t want to make the necessary sacrifices…”

“Necessary sacrifices?” the alicorn tilted her head slightly, “There’s nothing to sacrifice…”

“The ponies you call your ‘friends’ need to be disposed of in order to protect your EvenTide Kingdom.”

“My friends are causing no harm. I will not ‘dispose’ of them.”

There was a heavy pause as Twilight locked eyes with her darker self. The reflection rolled her eyes and turned away,

“You’re not fit to be a princess, Twilight Sparkle…”

Twilight stomped a hoof, “Take that back!”

There was gentle rapping at the door.

“Your Majesty? Is all well in your bedchambers?”

Twilight cleared her throat, “Yes it is, thank you. You may return to your post.”

“Yes, You Majesty.”

There was a trot that faded as the guard stepped further down the hall. Twilight glared back at the mirror,

“Take that back.” She hissed.

The doppleganger turned back around to face her, “You have the entire kingdom in your hooves, and you’re going to throw it all away for five measly ponies?” she stepped closer to her side of the mirror, “Sacrificing few for the many is the logical thing to do. Something a true princess would do.”

Twilight trembled as rage built up inside of her. She snorted angrily,

“I am a true princess.” She stated in a dangerously low tone. “I can mold the world and the heavens around me. I can do anything. I will do what’s needed to make sure my kingdom remains perfect for my subjects. Anything.”

The dark Twilight sneered and leaned forward,

“Anything?”

Twilight nodded.

The reflection extended a hoof towards the true Princess,

“Then let me help you perfect your kingdom.”

Twilight stared down her reflection. She really did want what’s best for her kingdom. She wanted to be known as one of the most successful Princess of her time. To make her kingdom prosper for as long as she would live to rule over it. It was time for her to make her next step into creating that kingdom of her dreams. She stepped closer to her vanity, and touched the hoof on the other side of the glass. Reflection Twilight smiled,

“Let us bring the end of this age…and bring forth your own…”

-MLP-

Cadence’s ears swiveled as she spaced out in front of the group. Shining walked up to her,

“Is everything alright, my love?”

Cadence rubbed her head, “I feel so much hatred coming from Canterlot. Something is terribly wrong…”

Applejack exasperated, “That’s what we’ve been tryna tell ya! The Corrupted One has returned, an’ we think it may be in cahoots with Twi’!”

Shining shook his head, “That could never happen. If that were true, that would mean there would’ve been something evil already lying within Twily’s heart to begin with. She may have done stuff over the years…we all have…but I’ve never seen her have any truly selfish thoughts…”

“Let us not forget that Twilight has had all of Equestria in her hooves for a few months now.” Rarity pointed out. “She hasn’t been the same ever since the Eternal Slumber Massacre. She’s gotten a bit…cold. She even pulled her royal title against us.”

Cadence focused back on the group, “There was one other pony besides myself and Twilight that could manipulate crystals in the way you described them. Only one monster we know of that could do that…”

Fluttershy stepped forward, “Do you mean Sombra?”

Shining nodded, “Perhaps he has returned to take over the Crystal Empire once again.”

“That doesn’t explain why Cadence just felt what she felt from Canterlot specifically.” Rarity countered. “Not to mention that Sombra was only a unicorn. A powerful one, but a unicorn nonetheless. That thing, that creature in the woods was far too powerful for Unicornian magic. You’re the Prince of the Crystal Empire. Do you have power like that?”

Shining snorted and turned his gaze downward, his response clear.

“It was too powerful for any of us to kill.” Dash stated bitterly. “It nearly killed Pinks and Flutters…none of us, ponies who are Element Bearers, could stop it. What certain Alicorn do we know, that has a near infinite amount of knowledge and magic?”

Cadence and Shining shared worried glances with one another. Shining spoke up again,

“Those crystals are still made from dark magic. That would mean that Twily is using dark magic. If that be the case…we will end this.”

“We wont be able to end this. There’s only one right now that stands a chance at even going hoof-to-hoof with Twilight, and that’s her.” Dash finished by pointing at Miracle. Cadence stared at her for a moment,

“Step closer please.”

Miracle obeyed and bowed before her, “It is an honor to meet you, Your Majesty.”

Cadence waved a hoof, “Worry not about such formalities. A friend of the Mane Six is a friend of mine.” She stated warmly. “As a matter of fact, you look somewhat…familiar. Have we met before?”

Miracle’s eyes dropped to the ground, “Unfortunately, I know nothing of my past…I don’t even have a true name. Fluttershy gave me mine. For now…I am Miracle, a mere soldier of Ubenox.”

Shining stepped forward, “The Great One?”

Miracle nodded. Rarity trotted up beside her,

“The one and only. She’s been selected by Ubenox himself to carry out his will of banishing the Corrupted One once more. She managed to fight off what attacked us, by channeling magic like she were a unicorn.”

Shining stepped forward and gave her a curtsy, “It’s always a pleasure to meet a fellow follower of Ubenox, and a great honor to meet one who has been bestowed to carry out his will.” He rose back up, “You spoke of the Corrupted One. If what you say is true and it has returned here, then I will do whatever needs to be done to help you.”

Cadence nodded in agreement, “You also have my word. My magic, is your magic.”

Pinkie stepped forward, brushing her now deflated mane from her face, “You know that means you’ll have to fight Twilight, right?...”

“Why do you keep bringing her into this?!” Shining shouted.

“Because she almost took Applejack away from me!” Pinkie shouted with equal ferocity. The others looked on silently. “She almost killed both of us, and Fluttershy!”

“The punishment for usage of dark magic is exile.” Shining calmly stated. “If in fact it is Twilight, then I promise will be no less just because she’s my sister.”

Pinkie’s eye twitched, “She would only be punished for the dark magic use? How about attempted murder? Oh, let’s not forget the rule she created after an attempted hit on Rarity; attempted harm of an Element of Harmony is treason against the Equestrian Crown!” she took another step forward, “She’s dangerous, and far too powerful for just exile. She will kill all of us!”

“Let’s just check up on her to prove she’s not a threat to us.” Cadence stated. She summoned a crystal from the floor, letting it rise until it towered over the group. Cadence’s horn glowed, attempting to contact to whoever was supposed to be on the other side. It continued for about a minute until Twlight’s voice could be heard,

“What do you want?”

Cadence was briefly stunned. The voice sounded like her sister-in-law…but something deeper…fouler, lingered beneath the voice. The group listened intently as Cadence began to speak.

“Shining and I just wanted to see how you were doing…are you okay? You sound a bit off, and why can’t we see you?”

“Cadence…are my friends in your kingdom?”

Cadence looked over at the group, then back at the crystal, “Well, yes, but you didn’t answer my question. What’s going on with you?”

There was no response. Shining stepped forward,

“Twily?”

“I’m so sorry…you need to run…” the voice whispered weakly.

Shining leaned in,

“What’d you say?”

The crystal suddenly looked fuzzy and blurred. The throne room rumbled as a Eventide Crystals began to invade the space. The others started stepping back towards the guards and Crystalline Sentries rushed into the throne room. Cries of horror and agony rang out, as jagged pillars of crystal pierced the soldiers with ease. None of the pillars seemed to be aimed at the Mane Six…but no one else in the room appeared safe.

“Twilight…” Shining whispered through gritted teeth as he tried to pull one of his hind legs off the crystal that was embedded in it.

A static laced image of Twilight’s twisted form appeared in the communication crystal. Her horn was twisted and jagged, and her lips were pulled back into a sickening smile, gleaming fangs adorning her mouth. Blackened sparks of electricity arced on her body and through her veins, causing slight spasms to dance across through her body. The whites of her eyes were void black, with slitted crimison eyes boring down at them. She giggled, sending chills throught the group’s collective spine.

“You look so terrified…I love it…” Corrupted Twilight leaned closer, cocking her head sideways with a series of audible clicks, “It would see as though you all still have a bit of power within you. Enough to where if I allow you to continued to frolic freely, it may come back to bite me in the ass.” She pressed her hooves against the side of her crystal. Even with her seemingly gentle touch, hairline cracks began to dance along the crystal. “So…let’s go ahead and handle this little issue now…”

She reeled back onto her hindlegs, and slammed them down on her side. The whole pillar shattered into dust. The throne room violently rumbled, nearly knocking the group to the ground.

“We gotta get outta here!” Pinkie cried out. Cadence had formed a barrier around the group and her lover,

“RUN!” she commanded. The barriers around them flickered, “She’s…her m-magic…it’s nullifying my own!”

“So long as I live…none will surpass me…” Twilight’s voice reverberated through the EvenTide Crystals. “Cadence…measly Princess of Love, I cannot risk another Alicorn possibly challenging me again…”

Before Cadence could question the meaning of her actions, her voice was silenced by a thin spear of crystal piercing her throat. Shining cried out in abject horror as he watched his wife be executed by his own sister. The shock of the sight made it easier for Dash and Applejack to get him off the pillar and out of the throne room. They galloped as until their lungs burned, not stopping until their legs could physically carry them no more.

“No…not my sister…”

Rarity placed a hoof on his shoulder, “Shining?”

“No…not my sister…”

She shook him a bit harder, “Shining Armor, stop it!”

“No…not my sister…”

She reeled one of her hooves back, before connecting to the side of his face with a slap hard enough to cause the entire group to flinch,

“Get ahold of yourself!” Rarity snapped. “Right now, that thing is not your sister. She’s an enemy to the planet! She is now the Corrupted One, and we have to do what the Great One instructed us to do, and destroy it!” tears quickly filled her vision, “Now…you gave us your word that you’d help us stop her, and we expect you to keep that promise, do you understand?!”

Shining shoved her away from him, “It doesn’t make the news any easier to bear!” he turned away from her, “My sister just murdered my wife…she’s very clearly beyond redemption…” he took a few deep breaths, swallowing down sobs that threatened to surface. “If…If Miracle is a part of the procephy, then she must leave. Now. Once Twilight figures out she’s still alive, she’s going to rip this kingdom apart to kill her. Get her out of here.”

“What about you?” Fluttershy asked softly.

“I’m now the sole ruler of this kingdom…” he stood a bit straighter, “It is my duty to protect the kingdom and her citizens from any harm, so long as I live. I’ll let Twilight keep thinking she’s here, and hold her off for as long as I can.”

Silence fell onto the group for a moment,

“Why are you still here?” Shining snarled. “I said GET OUT OF HERE!”

Miracle turned and galloped as fast as she could, with the Mane Six in tow. They’d need to get as far as possible if they wanted to have even a miniscule chance of defeating Twilight in this form…

-MLP-

Twilight was sitting down, her wings protectively wrapped around her, as she struggled to understand what was going on with herself. She stared at the tiny remnants of her communication crystal as a single tear made a trail down her cheek,

“This isn’t what I wanted…”

‘This is exactly what you wanted. What you needed. I said I was going to help you make this kingdom perfect, and I will make the choices that you cannot seem to make yourself! And now that your friends know of us, there’s no turning back now…’

A large shard of crystal was laying in front of her. She was horrified by the teary eyed and twitching reflection staring back at her. She covered her mouth, ashamed by the fangs that protruded from it. She stared deep into her own eyes, where irises were an amalgamation of purple and red as her psyche warred on from within. Her cutie mark was all that remained in this form of hers. She knew that now, she truly was a monster.

She let out a cry of anguish before repeatedly stomping on the crystal. The chuckle in her head got larger as she turned to another crystal shard. The monster was looking back at her,

“You will learn to embrace this new body of yours. You think you look terrifying, but in reality, you look like a beautiful and dark princess. Hell, you look like a queen…”

“A queen…” Twilight shook her head, “What will they think of me when they see what I’ve become? There won’t see me as their queen when I look like a monster…”

“Who cares what they think?! It will be you who rules the world, not them!!”

“I just wanted to make my kingdom one of the best in the world! I didn’t want to rule the entire planet!”

The monster narrowed her eyes, “And that’s why I will be making the decisions from now now…”

-MLP-

Miracle’s eyes fluttered opened,

“White Pegasus…rise…”

She quickly sprang to her hooves. She heard the small grunts of effort as her friends stood up as well. Ubenox was standing before her, looking down at her with a slight displeasure in his eyes,

“White Pegasus…the forces of good and evil…they are beginning to tilt out of balance…the side of evil has grown stronger. The Corrupted One had awoken, and is starting to make its move. Something must be done, before I come and must deal with it myself…”

“Our apologies, Great One.” Rarity started, “We’re trying, but we’re not sure what to do next against her. We need more time.”

Ubenox turned his gaze onto her, “Time is something that is luxury for you mortals, and nothing for beings like myself…it is a shame that I am not the one who controls it. I am afraid I cannot give you more time…”

“Then what do we do, Great One?”

“While the Corrupted One hungers for destruction…I feel like it’s host still has some fight left…I can feel a small fragment of her soul…struggling to stay alive…”

Dash stepped forward, “Is there anyway we can save her?”

Ubenox shook his head, “I’ve never seen a host fight the Corrupted One like this for so long. Not even the Alicorn from before fought the level of mental onslaught that it is causing your friend now.” He started to turn away, “There is no more steps to this. Only the battle that lies beyond.” He looked back over his shoulder, “White Pegasus…rise…”

“But, I’m already standing…”

Ubenox gave a small smile and lightly shook his head, “You misunderstand me, White Pegasus.” He turned back to her and delicately brought the tip of his massive hoof to her chest,

“Rise…”

Miracle’s eyes widened, as she felt more power course through her veins. She gave a small nod, and Ubenox backed away from her. He turned again from the group, fading into the nothingness. The group surrounded her,

“What now?” Pinkie questioned.

Miracle looked down at her, “It’s just like he’s said…there’s nothing left for us to do but fight her. We have to take her down.”

Applejack shook her head, “It ain’t fair…she’s s’posed ta be our friend…”

Rarity placed a hoof on the farmer’s shoulder, “She is our friend. But realize that what we’re going to fight is not our Twilight.” She looked down at the ground, “No matter how hard that fight will be…”

“We need to prepare” Miracle ordered. “We’ve seen that Twilight’s magic has the power to reach far and wide. So, let’s not keep her waiting much longer before she kills more innocent to get to us…”

The group nodded and closed their eyes, once again allowing themselves to be enveloped in the void’s light.

Clashing With The Corrupted One

“Purple Dragon…wake up and rise…”

Spike snorted as he struggled to open his eyes. He rubbed his head and rose to his feet.

“Purple Dragon…”

He spun around to face Ubenox. He gave a small smirk,

“I uh…expected you to be bigger.”

Ubenox returned the smile, “I am a child of the universe. Do you truly think this is my real form?”

Spike rubbed his chin. “True…” he tilted his head look up at the slightly taller Earth Pony, “How can I help you?”

His smile disappeared, “You are needed once more, Purple Dragon.”

“What could I possibly do at this point? I’ve done my best to help Miracle with whatever you requested of her. And now…I’ve been captured by the Corrupted One.”

“I understand…and if there were no consequences, I would free you...”

“What consequences could their possibly be for a god?”

“I am but a messenger myself, Purple Dragon. Powerful as I may be, even I answer to a higher power. Everything that is happening is as it should be so. If I were to interfere, the gods and goddesses would come town and take matters into their own hands. I do not wish to see the destruction of another galaxy…or worse, a universe.”

Spike nodded in understanding, “That makes sense…I guess…” he looked back into his eyes, “What do you need me to do again?”

“Simple…you will aid the White Pegasus again.”

“I would be glad to…but how? I’m still trapped.

“You are a dragon raised by ponies. You’ve been around the world, teaching other sentient creatures what you’ve learned here. You can do what no other dragon is capable of…you love. You love them, and I can see that. It burns brightly behind your eyes. That love, will be the way you help her.”

Spike nodded, “I can do that…but how do I get out of here so that I can help?”

Ubenox’s gaze fell elsewhere. He turned back to Spike with sympathy in his eyes,

“Your answer is about to come shortly. I am truly sorry, Purple Dragon…”

Spike’s head jarred to the left as something collided with his cheek.

“Wake up, lizard.”

His vision blurred. He let out a small groan.

Another violent smack flared pain through his cheek, returning him to full consciousness. He snarled and let out a fierce roar. Corrupted Twilight gave a small smile,

“There we go. Good to see you’re awake.”

He spat out a little blood, “Why are you doing this?”

“It’s quite simple actually…I wanted to create something greater, and Celestia was getting in the way of that. The citizens love the Eventide Kingdom…but there are a smattering of rebels who still side with the fallen Princess of the Sun.” she turned and started to walk over to a small desk and opened a tome that she had been reading, “But why stop there? Why not create something more than the EvenTide Kingdom? Why not create a whole new reality?”

“Because Twilight would never do that. I know she’s still in there, now give her back to me!!”

“You aren’t calling the shots around here, lizard!! I AM!!” Twilight snarled back. “So sit there, and shut up!!”

Spike leered at Twilight as she opened the single book on the desk and began to read it.

“Twilight…”

Twilight’s ear flicked as she turned to shoot him an annoyed glare,

“Didn’t I just tell you to be silent? I know that you’re a dragon, but you were raised by ponies. Surely you understand Enquish.”

Spike slowly nodded, “I was…wasn’t i? I wasn’t just raised by any old pony either…I was raised by you.”

Twilight rolled her eyes, “Where are you going with this?”

He smiled softly at the Alicorn, “You’re my sister, Twilight…and I know you’re still in there…”

Twilight’s glare vanished. Her expression turned to one of sorrow as her irises flickered to their normal purple hue. Tears pricked the corners of her eyes,

“Spike? Oh Spike…I’m so so sorry…”

“Its okay…I don’t blame you. Just…right this wrong, Twilight…while you still can…”

Twilight started to walk to him. Lavender magic started to envelope the cuffs before she started to twitch violently. Black electricity sparked over her body. The spasms locked her form. Her head was facing the ground, her mane covering her face.

“Twilight?”

No response.

“Twilight?!”

Twilight’s head shot up. She inhaled a big gulp of air and opened her eyes. The crimson that had taken over her pupils before now shined brighter than ever. A sizzle could be hear as her tears evaporated from her eyes. Her fangs had become even longer as she that them twisted in another grin,

“Now I can’t have you sparking life into my host again. Her body, mind…and soul are now mine.” She flew up to his face and lightly patted his cheek, “It was adorable that you thought that you could save your precious sister from me. But worry not…I have a purpose for you. Rest now ‘brother’…you shall aid in bringing about the glorious end of this reality…”

-MLP-

“We’re heading straight into the monster’s mouth right now.” Dash whispered.

“And we’re gonna buck all of its teeth on the way there.” Applejack responded.

Rarity rubbed her forehead, “My word…I can feel the power the…vileness that’s radiating from Twilight’s castle.” She looked up at Miracle,

“How are you feeling?”

Miracle gave a small sigh, “The power coming from her castle is making me sick…and its only going to get worse the closer we get…” she looked around, “Its coming from all around, as if the city itself is evil…”

“There are EvenTide crystals everywhere…” Fluttershy pointed out, “I’m surprised we haven’t been caught yet…”

“More than likely, Twilight is using them, waiting for us to use magic.” Rarity theorized. “The disturbance signature form the Elements of Harmony is distinct enough to catch. So…no magic use of any kind until we’re close enough. No cloud walking or Sonic Rainbooms.” She pointed at Fluttershy and Dash, “And no ‘Strong Hoof’ magic,” she glanced over at Pinkie and Applejack.

Miracle nodded in understanding, “Right. Now, lets just get inside the castle as fast as we can, before anyone figures out who we are…”

The group nodded and continue to follow her. As they ‘walked calmly’, they nervously eyed all the crystal pillars that loomed over them as they made their way through the city. They noticed that they were finally nearing the castle when they saw the sudden increase of guards in the area.

“How the hell are we gonna get past all these guards?” Dash hissed. “They’re everywhere.”

“We could hit the sewers.” Pinkie suggested. “I know my way around thanks to visiting gummy and his family…”

Rarity rolled her eyes while Fluttershy placed a hoof on her pink shoulder, “That seems like a good idea…but I don’t think it’ll work.” She looked around, “Something doesn’t seem right…those crystals are everywhere…for her to have not noticed us yet is very wrong. It almost feels like we’re walking into a trap…and if something happened to us down there, it could be possibly no one would ever find out…”

“Walkin’ inta a trap ya say?” Applejack repeated, “Then I guess the only way we’ll get close enough ta her, is ta set said trap off.”

Applejack trotted up to the nearest crystal pillar, against the whispered protest of Rarity and Fluttershy. She spun around, her hind legs taking on a soft glow. She slammed her backlegs into the crystal with a powerful buck. Hairline fractures spread across the crystal.

“Show yer face, monster! Ah know ya can see us!”

The crystal glowed a red-tinged lavender. The alicorn’s voice could be heard through it,

“Finally…I’ve been watching you wander through the city for so long, I’d almost thought you forgot how to get here. Don’t worry though, you wont have to wander anymore.” There was a sound of hooves clacking together, “Guards, bring them to me!!”

In a matter of moments, dozens of guards swarmed them. They got back to back, glaring as some of the guards closed in on them,

“Now now, don’t make a scene. It’d be unfortunate if anyone saw you turning against the very soldiers sworn to protect them…”

The group’s eyes scanned the swatch of soldiers, noticing how some of them had apologetic looks on their faces. They then glanced at one another, making a silent vow to not pull anyone else into this, and let themselves be led into the center of Twilight’s domain.

-MLP-

Black electricity arched through him, slight tremors racking through him as a result of it. He didn’t know how long he could off the dark influence that coursed through him. The crystal she embedded into the side of his skull was full of magic that was stronger than he’d imagine.

‘Purple Dragon…’ a voice whispered in the back of his mind. ‘You are running out of time…’

Spike internally sighed, ‘I know I am…’

‘You must help her, Purple Dragon. She needs your help if she is going to defeat the Corrupted One…’

‘I know she does…’

‘Then do it…’

‘Don’t you think I would have done so if I could?’ Spike’s head drooped, ‘I can’t…not like this. I have to get out of these shackals…’ he closed his eyes, ‘In order to get free…I must let myself be consumed…’

‘Be careful…Purple Dragon…’ the voice whispered, as his minded was enveloped in black.

-MLP-

“Thank you guards. You may take your leave from here…” the princess ordered as she remained hidden in the shadows of her throne room.

The guards bowed before vacating the room. The group a collective glare at the shadowed form. She focused her gaze back on them,

“Why are you all looking at me like that? Are you not happy to see me?”

“Drop the act, ya monster! Ya ain’t no friend of ours!” Applejack snarled.

“Applejack…how could you say that?” the mare responded in faux hurt. “I haven’t done anything to you…”

The orange pony snorted angrily, “The fuck ya mean ya ain’t do nothin’?! Ya almost killed us in the damn forest!”

“You were warned not to be there…” the mare pointed out as she chuckled.

Dash stepped in front of Applejack, “Don’t play dumb with us, Twilight. You know what we’re here to do…”

A pregnant silence filled the room as the Wonderbolt and the princess locked eyes. She finally stepped from the shadows,

“Twilight?” the mare chuckled, “As smart as she was, she was too stupid to do what needed to be done to kill you when the chance had first presented itself. So no…I’m not Twilight…” the sneer on her face contorted, as she splayed her wings to their full length,

“You may call me…Veil Breaker.”

Her horn glowed a rich and blackened violet, and the group took a defensive stance to prepare themselves.

“And unlike ‘Twilight’, I have no qualms with doing what needs to be done to get what I want…”

She slightly flicked her head upward, and the ground rumbled. A horrified shriek ripped through the air as the voice it belonged to called out a name.

“PINKAMENAAAAA!!!!”

The group turned to see Pinkie skewered onto a jagged crystal that had exploded from the ground. Pinkie’s eyes went wide as she placed her forehooves on the pillar. One of her hooves slipped in her own lifeblood that spilled from her, and she felt her body going numb. Applejack galloped up to the pillar and violently bucked it until it broke. Rarity caught Pinkie in her magical grasp and gently placed her on the ground. The floor was quickly painted red as her blood pooled around her,

“Pinkamena!” Applejack knelt beside her and scooped the upper half of her lover into her forelegs. “C’mon Sugar, stay with me!”

Pinkie slowly opened an eye, “I am here silly…I just…I don’t think I can stay…”

“Don’t say that!” Dash ordered. “Who’s gonna pull pranks with me, if not you?!”

Pinkie tried to giggled at the comment, only to cough up blood onto Applejack’s chest. The farmer focused on the giant chunk of pillar still speared through her,

“Dash, help me get this outta her!”

“DON’T!” Rarity shouted. “Its what’s plugging up the her wound! If you take it out, she’s going to bleed out!”

“She’s bleedin’ out already, Rarity! H-her Element should heal her right?! She w-won’t be a-able ta heal with this thing pokin’ through her gut! Now fuckin’ help me get it out!!”

“Jackie…love…its okay…”

Applejack refocused her attention to Pinkie’s face. Pinkie weakly reached up with a hoof to cup the mare’s cheek.

“Pinkamena…”

“It’ll be okay…This is way too big for Laughter to heal me in time...” Pinkie coughed, “If this is how I go…then I’m happy you’re by me. Nothing makes...me happier than...being surrounded...by my loved ones…”

She let out a soft sigh, her hoof dropping back to the earth. Applejack stared at her face as her features relaxed, and her dilated pupils began to glaze over. She nuzzled Pinkies cheek, her scarlet fluid smattering orange fur. The group encircled her, mourning the loss of one of their closest companions. They nearly jumped when they heard a sob escape from the Princess.

“Pinkie Pie…” the mare weeped. “No…”

Rarity took a few tentative steps, “T…Twilight?”

“RUN!!” she screamed. “GET AWAY FR-”

Her body violently spasmed as black electricity surged through her once more. Her irises flickered before settling into the familiar deep shape of crimson. A vile grin plastered itself on her face,

“My apologies.” Veil Breaker brushed the tears from her face, “My host seems to be quite an emotional one. I guess most of you mortals tend to lose it when your ‘friends’ die in front of you, and all that pizzazz.”

Applejack gently placed Pinkie onto the ground and closed her eyes. She rose to her hooves and looked up at Veil Breaker. Her pupils pinpricked, hot tears flowing on her face. The emerald of her eyes burned bright,

“Fuck ya…” she hissed. “Fuck ya…fuck ya…FUCK YA!!”

Veil Breaker clacked her hooves together in delight, “Oooh, there we go! Is that what it takes to get you girls moving?!”

“YER A FUCKIN MONSTER, AN’ ITS TIME TA PUT YA DOWN!!” Applejack roared before charging full speed at her,

“Applejack, wait!!” Fluttershy cried out. The group started to follow her, but a flash of magic crossed through Veil Breaker’s eyes and her horn glowed brightly. Her magic pinned them to the ground and held them in place.

“Let her come for me…” Veil Breaker stated. She rose to her hooves with a smirk on her face, “You want to play? Very well then…let’s play…”

Applejack charged up to Veil Breaker, before sliding to the side and bucking her in the ribcage. Despite hearing the crunch of broken bones, the alicorn seemed unaffected. She turned and smashed her hoof into Applejack’s cheek. The Earth Pony’s head snapped to the left from the impact and her hat flew off her head, but she remained firm in position. Her legs glowed with an orange aura and the ground beneath her hooves cracked from the pressure. She shot a foreleg out, delivering a quick jab towards Veil Breaker’s face. Even with the alicorn quickly moving her head to the side, the air around Applejack’s hoof ripped the skin under her eye open. Applejack leapt into the air, spinning mid air to drive a hindleg to the top of Veil Breaker’s head. The alicorn was momentarily stunned, and Applejack took the opportunity to dip low to ground, spin, and violently buck Veil Breaker in the chest. A chorus of crunches echoed out as Veil Breaker let out a wheeze,

“Not bad…your strength matches the stories that are told.” She jumped out of kicking distance, “But perhaps, you should see what true physical prowess looks like.”

Veil Breaker nearly teleported with speed before leaping over Applejack. The farmer spun halfway in an attempt to face her when she landed, exposing her hips. Veil Breaker drove her forehooves into Applejack’s hips with an audible crack, causing her to immediately crumple to the ground. She slowly walked over to her as the Earth Pony struggled and failed to get up.

“We don’t want that pesky Element of yours to heal too quickly, now do we?” Veil Breaker asked. “Let’s give it a real challenge, and see how you’ll recover from this…”

She reared up onto her hindlegs, then slammed her forehooves onto Applejack’s spine. She brayed out in pain as her spine was fragmented by Veil Breaker’s stomps. The group looked on in horror, writhing in the alicorn’s magical vice grip. Veil Breaker dropped them, before picking up the limp Applejack and bringing her in close,

“You couldn’t save your sister…you couldn’t save your lover…you can’t even save yourself. You’re pathetic, and I cannot fathom why you were thought to be one of the strongest ponies in Equestria…”

She tilted her head, flinging Applejack back to her friends. She rolled and tumbled, her bones crunching with each thud on the earth. Fluttershy protectively wrapped her wings around Applejack, who was slipping in an out of unconsciousness from the pain. Rarity’s horn came alight, and Dash splayed her wings in opposition of Veil Breaker. Miracle was still frozen in shock from Pinkie’s death, and stared at the alicorn with pin sized pupils. Dash looked over at her,

“Miracle, snap out of it, we need you!”

Miracle remained frozen.

Dash snorted in frustration, “Fine…” she started to walk forward, but Rarity latched onto her shoulder,

“You stay here.” Rarity softly commanded. “I’ll hold her off while you try to knock some sense into her.”

“Are you crazy, Rarity?” Dash sputtered. “She’ll fuckin’ kill you!”

Rarity softly smiled, “Perhaps, but I’m going to make sure I’ve left my mark on her. If I must go, I shall do it protecting my dearest comrades!”

Rarity pulled Dash behind her and stepped forward, “Your behavior is quite uncouth, Veil Breaker. Surely you wouldn’t want the opportunity to sit down and discuss this like proper ladies, would you?”

Veil Breaker scoffed, “Let’s not, Rarity…”

Rarity cleared her throat, “Very well then! Shall we commence in a magical duel?”

The princess giggled, “Now you’re just being silly. You really think you stand a chance against me?”

Rarity’s horn glowed a fierce and bright blue. A spear of sapphire shot through the earth and pierced Veil Breaker’s foreleg, earning a surprised grunt for the alicorn.

“I can assure you, my magic has been expanded beyond fashion thanks to many, many battles.”

Veil Breaker yawned, before snatching her leg off of the crystal. “Still not enough. However, I’m sure the magic you possess will be of more entertainment for who you’ll be fighting.” Her foreleg hissed as the wound quickly cauterized and shut. “And it’d be nice to show you my newest little experiment…”

There was a moment of silence, before a beast burst through one of the walls. Dark violet crystals were erupting all over his body. He twitched violently as he turned his gaze to Rarity. The remaining group members looked on with renewed horror, as he gave a wicked smile before roaring.

Rarity shook her head in slow denial, “My gods…Spike…”

Sacrifice

“Spike…” Rarity’s horn fizzled out before she glared at Veil Breaker, “What did you do to him?!”

“I made him better.” She replied. “The lizard has already has power that is beyond that of any dragon, and beyond most creatures on this pitiful planet. His intellect and magical prowess makes him quite a formidable opponent. If you’re as powerful as you claim, then you’d have no problem beating him.”

Rarity stared up into the drake’s eyes. He gave her a sneer and leaned in. theirs eyes were locked onto each other for a moment before the unicorn gave a small nod.

“Very well then…” she brushed a strand of her mane out of her face, “It would seem that you’ve left me very little choice but to fight Spikey Wikey.” She stomped a hoof and closed her eyes. Her horn glowed brighter and angrier than before. When she opened her eyes, her eyes matched the fierce blue of her magic. The ground started to tremble around them. Shards of crystal shot up into the air and swirled around her. Dash backed away from her to avoid any stray shrapnel. Veil Breaker arched a brow and gave her a small smile,

“Hmm…it seems you wield more magic than your initial attack. Well look at you, you little tease!” she turned and sat back down on her throne, “No matter. The lizard will suit just fine in this situation.”

She lightly tapped her hoof to the ground, and Spike let out a roar before charging. He reached out for the unicorn. She barely dodged him and fired off a beam of hot magic at his arm. Her roared in pain as a meaty chunk of his forearm fell to the ground. Light blue fire then engulfed his wound as he focused on her. When it finished healing, he let out an angry snarl.

“My stars, self-healing fire?” Rarity gave a small smirk, “I’m impressed!” she trotted a bit towards him, “Seems like both of us have gained some true magical properties! Now…it’s my turn to show you what I can do…”

She tapped her hoof as well, and the ground began to tremble again, before the earth began to open up beneath him. He jumped to the side in an attempt to avoid it, but his ankle slipped into the hole. He fell toward her, reaching out to grab her once more. She tried to dodge again, but was unsuccessful when he grabbed her tail. She let out a yelp as she hit the cold floor. Dash made a move for her,

“DON’T! YOU! DARE!” Rarity screamed, “Fluttershy needs you!!”

He dragged her closer, getting the chance to fully encompass his claws around her. He pulled her close until she started to choke on the smoke billowing from his mouth and nostrils. He opened his mouth, and Fluttershy jumped up to start galloping towards her. Dash tackled her, crying as they were about to watch the inevitable. His maw began to glow of bright green fire as it creeped up his throat. Rarity gave him a tranquil-like stare. She closed her eyes as the fire poured from his mouth and encircled her. Fluttershy screamed as Dash gripped onto to her and looked on. The smoke cleared, and there was no trace of the unicorn. Spike looked at his hand in confusion, before looking at Veil Breaker,

“What are you staring at me for, you fucking idiot?! Destroy them!”

He quickly got on his feet, but was knocked down by a beam of light. Veil Breaker’s eyes went wide as they fell on Miracle, who had a badly burned Rarity tossed onto her back,

“Ah…so it appears you can use magic without a horn.” Veil Breaker looked back at Spike, “It also seems you knocked out my little experiment, and save that pathetic creature. Bravo…”

“This has to end.” Miracle stated as she passed Rarity off to Dash, “You must be destroyed.”

Veil Breaker belted out a laugh, “Priceless…fucking priceless!” she got up and took a couple steps forward, “But I really don’t have time for your jokes.” her horn came alight, “Time to put you all in your place; in a fucking grave.”

There was another rumble.

Time seemed to dilate as she watched another crystal burst from the earth.

She felt something slam into her.

Time returned to normal once more.

She rolled across the ground, slightly dazed. She quickly jumped to her hooves as she heard Fluttershy let out shrieking sob. She shook her head as she took in the image of Dash in the same position as Dash, except the pegasus was completely unaware of her situation. Fluttershy scrambled and flew up to the pillar as she pulled her wife off the pillar as carefully as she could. Miracle joined her, before taking Dash completely into her forelegs. She placed Dash onto the ground,

“Why…did…she…jump in?” a rasped voice questioned.

Miracle and Fluttershy looked up to see Rarity dragging herself up to the group. Her legs trembled violently as she rose to her hooves. She took a couple steps before collapsing next to the Wonderbolt.

“Rainbow Dash…you buffoon…” she placed a hoof onto one of Dash’s, “I told you…to stay away…”

Dash coughed up blood as she turned to smile at Rarity, “I wasn’t trying to save you, ya prissy princess…” she slowly looked up at Miracle, “I was trying to save her…”

Hot tears started to trail down Miracle’s face, “Why?...”

Dash smiled, “You saved me and my wife…the least I could do is save yours…”

Fluttershy wrapped her hooves tightly around her lover’s frame, “Dash…oh gods…Dashie…”

She placed a hoof to her lips, “Babe…hush. It’ll be okay. Hush now…quiet now…”

Fluttershy gave a weak smile, “It’s time to lay your sleepy head…hush now, quiet now…”

“I-It’s time to…go…to…bed…” Dash finished weakly, before the light left her eyes. Fluttershy stared in disbelief for a moment,

“Dashie?” Fluttershy gently shook the corpse. “Dashie? Dash…” she started to shake a bit harder out of panic, “Dash…Rainbow Dash! RAINBOW DASH!!”

There was no response. No sign of life from her. Fluttershy’s form started to shudder as she clutched onto Dash’s body. Tears fell from Rarity’s eyes in defeat as she slipped into unconsciousness. Miracle attempted to wrap herself around Fluttershy, but was pushed back by a small surge of power. Fluttershy was surrounded by a pink aura as she looked at up Veil Breaker with burning rage behind her eyes.

“You’ve taken over my friend’s body…maimed and killed my friends, my daughter, and my lover…” Fluttershy stated in a dangerous growl, “I am going…to kill you…”

Veil Breaker gave a wicked smile, “Please…show me exactly how you’re going to do that…”

Fluttershy took off, a pink and yellow streak trailing behind her. Veil Breaker’s eyes went wide as she felt Fluttershy slam into her chest, and sent her into a wall. She rubbed her head for a moment, but felt hooves collide into her cheek. Blood spittle sprinkled onto Fluttershy’s face when she smacked Veil Breaker’s face to the right. She kicked the canary colored pegasus off her, sending her flying. She pulled herself out of the pony shaped hole, before her vision was covered by pale yellow and pink, and she felt fangs bury into her neck. She gasp edas a broken piece of EvenTide crystal was rammed into one of her lungs. Veil Breaker snarled, and slammed her forehead into Fluttershy’s snout. Bleary eyed and disoriented, Fluttershy backed off, giving the alicorn the opportunity to tackle her into the ground,

“Vampiric creature…and you say I’m the monster…” Veil Breaker bared her fangs and dug them into Fluttershy’s neck. She growled, before she tore one of Fluttershy’s jugulars open. She leapt into the air, and slammed her full weight onto Fluttershy’s torso, snapping her ribs and sending them into her vital organs. Fluttershy’s head violently snapped back and forth as Veil Breaker unleashed a flurry of punches. Miracle tried her hardest to move, but Veil Breaker’s horn was still burning bright with paralyzing magic. Fluttershy focused through the rapidly approaching concussion as she looked up at Veil Breaker,

“I pray to the gods and goddesses…that you’ll come back to your senses, Twilight…”

The monstrous mare leaned in closed and whispered,

“Your gods and goddesses are not here. They cannot save you. I am the only goddess here…and your prayers will go unanswered…”

She rose a foreleg high above her head, before smashing it onto Fluttershy’s trachea, crushing it, and severing her from the mortal coil. She grabbed the lifeless body with her teeth, and tossed it, causing it to land in front of Miracle. The pegasus, finally being released from Veil Breaker’s grasp, scrambled over to Fluttershy and pulled her close, nuzzling her cooling cheek.

“Get up, please! Please, Miss Fluttershy!!”

She continued to scream for her to move, to do anything to show she was alive.

Fluttershy didn’t move.

“Pathetic…” Veil Breaker spoke up. “All utterly useless in their little shows of power. Such wastes of existences.”

Miracle turned to her, and let out an animalistic roar. Her eyes glowed bright gold once more as a horn started to protrude from her head. Her mane started to light up with golden fire. Veil Breaker grinned, her fangs glimmering as she stared down the Pegasus-turned-Alicorn,

“So that’s what you did!” she chuckled, “In order to save your worthless hide from my spell, you turned into a Pegasus filly? Looks like my host ‘kept you safe’ after all…” she stepped forward, “Either way…it’s still very nice to see you, Celestia…”

Celestia stared at her in barely subdued fury. “You took my sister and my friends from me, corrupted my precious pupil…Ubenox sent me here to destroy you, and I will carry out his will.”

Veil Breaker let out a twisted giggle, “You really think so? You didn’t stop me the last time, and you couldn’t stop me even when I didn’t have full control. What makes you think you can stop me now?” she slightly turned her head to the side and tapped her chin, “Here…I’ll give you a free shot. Go for it.”

She closed her eyes and grinned. What she didn’t expect, was to feel the searing power of the sun blast into her face. She slammed into a wall, letting out a gagging sound as her jaw disconnected. Celestia slammed into her. Ribs cracked and broke, and internal organs burst, spilling lifeblood within her. She tried to sit up, but was pinned down by Celestia. The sun alicorn leered down at her, an orb of swirling magic sitting atop her crackling horn,

“Banishment will not suffice.” Celestia snarled. The orb grew in size. “Mercy…will not suffice.”

The orb suddenly shrank, and gravity rose and crushed the ground beneath them. She reeled her neck bath as she readied herself to unleash her magic.

“White Alicorn…”

Confusion took over her field of view. She looked around the vastness of the white void.

“Turn to me…”

She immediately spun to face Ubenox, and bowed before him,

“An honor to see your face once again, Great One.’

Ubenox smiled, “The honor is mine as well, for you have carried out my will as such…” he looked past her, “But there is another follower who wishes to join you…”

“What do you mean, Great One?” Celestia asked, as she followed his gaze. Her eyes went wide as she had an out of body experience. It was a still image of herself towering over Veil Breaker, the blazing orb of magic still sitting atop her horn. However, she noticed things that simply wouldn’t have noticed if she weren’t in this state. Like, how Spike was awake, and reaching one of his purple clawed hands out for Veil Breaker. His eyes shining brightly, now free of dark magic but full of desperation. There was a look in Veil Breaker’s eyes as well. Her face was a contorted mixture of absolute terror and bitter rage. One iris was corrupted crimion, but the other…

A teary eye purple that Celestia instantly recognized,

“Twilight’s still in there…” Celestia whispered in horror. She spun around to look up at Ubenox, “How do I stop myself from killing her?! Please, tell me!!”

Ubenox focused on her, “Patience, Follower Celestia…everything that happens, is at it should…”

Celestia nodded, though still fearful of the outcome of the fight, “Please Great One, let me return so that I may end this fight…”

Ubenox nodded, “Be careful, Follower Celestia…and may the gods and goddesses walk with you…”

Celestia gasped as she felt her spirit being thrown back into her body. She looked down at Veil Breaker once more, her glare and softening. The orb warbled as her willpower faltered, giving Spike the chance to clamp his hand around Veil Breaker. He snatched her up and looked at Celestia,

“Thank you for stopping…I knew the crystal would not keep hold forever…” he focused on the alicorn struggling in his grasp, pulling her close. “Twilight…I saw the message you left in the tome. Thank you…” he closed his eyes, “I’ll life this burden off your shoulders…” his eyes opened, shining a brilliant white light,

“Spirit of old, to body of new…

Possession by choice, is what I bring to you.

Through long so strong, devoid of strife,

I sacrifice my all, and give you my life.”

As he finished the chant, he opened his maw wide. Veil Breaker’s irises rolled back into her head, and her mouth slack-jawed. Black tendrils violently writhed as they creeped from her mouth, before they latched onto Spike’s lips. Aura in the deepest shade of black traveled down the tendrils and flowed into Spike’s mouth. His body began to spasm, and he dropped the alicorn to keep himself from accidently crushing her in his grip. She vomited up blood upon colliding into the dirt. He snapped his taloned fingers, vanishing in a burst of black fire. Celestia looked down at the weakened mare,

“…Twilight?...”

The dark lavender alicorn opened her tired eyes, “Celestia…I’m so sorry…I didn’t mean for any of this to happen!-”

Celestia placed a hoof to her lips, “Stop…you weren’t in control…”

Twilight’s Element began to heal her, giving her the strength to heal. She looked around at the carnage,

“Gods…what have I done? Applejack…Rarity…” her attention focused on the lifeless bodies of her other friends. She covered her eyes, “I-I-I…I killed them…Pinkie…Rainbow…Fluttershy…I killed them all…”

She started to smack herself in the head. The self-inflicted pain was a small retribution to pay for the horror she created. Celestia fiercely grabbed her and pulled her close,

“Stop it, Twilight! Self-harm will do nothing to change what’s happened!”

“But I can…”

Celestia turned around,

“Wait, Follower Celestia…do not turn your gaze upon me while you’re in the waking world, lest you turn to madness like many before you…”

Celestia placed a hoof over Twilight’s eyes before closing her own, “Great One…if that is so, why have you appeared?”

“Your friends, whom were not my followers, still followed you to the end of the world in order to help you carry out my will. I cannot make them forget the things they have seen. So long as they bear the Elements of Harmony, their bodies and the memories that are contained in them, will stray from the path of normal lifespan. I can give them the gift of life once more…but there will need to be a great price in exchange for this deed…”

“They gave their lives to make sure Twilight and I lived. Theirs is no sacrifice that is too great…”

“You must surrender your Alicorn magic…and I will transfer it into them…”

“TAKE MY MAGIC!!” Twilight burst out, “TAKE IT! TAKE IT ALL! TAKE WHATEVER YOU NEED TO MAKE THEM COME BACK!! PLEASE!! TAKE MY OWN LIFE IF THAT’S NEEDED!!”

“Your magic will help them as well…Celestia’s magic will bring them back to life, but your magic will aid the Elements in recovering from their fatal injuries.”

“Then take it. I beg of you…”

“Whatever you do, please…do not open your eyes…”

Celestia and Twilight kept their eyes shut, as they felt nigh infinite power touch cool their coats. They felt themselves tiring as their magic was being drained. The air in the room heated up, before dropping to a bone chilling low.

“It is done…farewell, my followers…”

Twilight and Celestia opened their eyes. They looked at each other.

Twilight was one again a Unicorn, albeit much taller than before due to her forcibly transformed body. She gasped when she saw Celestia.

She had shrunk in size, but was eye level with Twilight. Her mane and tail were no longer flowing, and were a blood caked pink hue. Her horn was gone, and her wings were tattered, feathers pointing each and every way from the fight she had endured. They turned to see their friends were alive once more…

But not all of their wounds had completely healed.

They looked fearfully at Twilight, but visibly relaxed as Celestia pulled the unicorn in close. They carefully circled her, their action causing Twilight to break down in shame and sorrow. She did not remain as such for long, as a shudder racked through her body. She looked out the hole Spike had created,

“Spike is out there…we have to save him…”

The others followed her gaze. The dragon had already vanished. They knew he would show face again, in due time. Until then, all they could do now, was prepare…

-MLP-

Spike stood at the rim of the volcano, in a land that he prayed he would never be found in.

‘You think you did something, don’t you? Claiming my powers for your own. I’m impressed. You’re far too powerful to be under the hoof of those worthless ponies.’

“Those ‘worthless ponies’ are my family, and I will not let you hurt them.” He looked down at the bubbling lava, “This volcano is known as the ‘Burning Gate’. Its lava and fire are said to be so hot and pressurized, that it can solidify anything. Even dragon scales can’t keep the heat at bay for too long. I’m going to seal us away, so that you can never harm anyone again…”

He crossed his arms and leapt high into the sky. He hit the viscous surface and slowly sank. Black electricity pulsed through in a final bid for domination. His eyes snapped open. the whites of his eyes turned ebony, and his irises were now a hellfire red…

“I’ve never had such a powerful host…” the Corrupted One muttered, “It wont be long now, before I rise again, and make this universe mine…”

Author's Note

*Slaps hands on desk* DONE!!

And after taking a small break *cracks knuckles* it shall be time to commence with the threequel!!

The Birth Of A New Era

It was amazing. I have molded Day and Night…the very heavens themselves, into something of my own creation.

I have created New Sky.

Not only is it beautiful visually, beauty also lies within its efficiency. With the Sun and Moon set just below the horizon, the temperature sat a consistent and perfect 75 degrees.

And the citizens love it. They love it, and love me. they practically trembled with excitement when they would see me step onto my balcony and spark my magic into the sky. They loved me so much that I would even dare to say they loved me more than Celestia.

That would explain Celestia’s behavior. Why she was so adamant about me not carrying out with New Sky. Why she wanted to throw the mundane task of ruling Night on my shoulders. She didn’t want to give me more responsibilities to better myself. She didn’t even care that she was trying to give me the Moon…something that was precious to her ‘beloved’ sister. She wanted to try and stop me. stop me from surpassing her. She still believed that I was her student. Wanted to keep the kingdom to herself.

‘She wants to keep her precious little Kingdom of the Sun.’

How dare she. How dare she try to make a mockery, a fool out of me. I’m Princess Twilight Sparkle dammit. The Princess of Magic and Friendship. I’m a force meant to be reckoned with, and she has the audacity to try and play these childish games with me.

Very well then…

She is clearly no longer has the proper mindset to be the strongest Princess, to be the head Ruler of Equestria. The citizens need a ruler who can take care of them properly. A ruler who they are excited to see every time she steps forward and change the heavens before their very eyes.

They needed me.

And as I have done since my first battle as an Element Bearer, I will rise to the challenge. I will overcome it. I will take control and do what’s best for all of Equestria. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned in all my years, is that there isn’t always a book to guide me. I know I’ll have to do some things that will not be in any book in the vastness of Equestria, in the world…

But it will make its way into Equestrian history.

Now that I think about it, New Sky doesn’t seem too great of a name anymore. Something that amazing should have a name to match it. Something as amazing and magical, as powerful as it is.

‘Something like Twilight…’

Its narcissistic. Borderline asinine.

But its so perfect.

However, I can change it to where the citizens don’t know any better.

Eventide…as amazing sounding as Twilight.

Perfect. Now, I need Eventide to be in the heavens forever. And I’m tired of standing by, when I’m fully capable of snatching Celestia down from her throne, and taking control of Equestria as its ruler. Its time to begin the birth of a new era.

The Era of the Kingdom of Eventide…

Gift Of The Dragon Of Knowledge

“So…let me get this straight…you met a gigantic Earth Pony, and his name was Ubenox?” Dash repeated with disbelief in her voice. Miracle smiled and nodded.

“And he claimed that he was ‘a child of the univ“So…let me get this straight…you met a gigantic Earth Pony, and his name was Ubenox?” Dash repeated with disbelief in her voice. Miracle smiled and nodded.

“And he claimed that he was ‘a child of the universe’, and that you’re needed to fight something called the ‘Corrupted One’?” Fluttershy jumped in.

Miracle nodded again.

Dash’s face remained deadpanned, “And that…not only are you needed, but that you’re probably the only one that may be able beat this ‘Corrupted One’, even though this same thing is the one that locked away your memories and powers in the first place?”

The filly’s nods got stronger, “And I gotta talk to a ‘dragon of knowledge’!”

The two older Pegasi exchanged confused glances.

“You think Twilight is trying to dreamwalk like Luna used to?” Dash whispered. Fluttershy shrugged.

“Soooo I gotta find the dragon! Can you please help me?”

Dash put a hoof on Miracle’s shoulder, “Look kid…that was a uh…pretty vivid dream. So detailed, that you may think that its something you really need to do.”

Miracle respectfully pushed her hoof away, “It was real, I swear! This is the only way right now I can figure out who I am and where I come from and how I ended up in the forest. So please, help me, so I can get out your house…like you want me to…”

Dash shrunk back. She knew there was nothing she could do to take back what she said. And honestly, she didn’t even want to. Still…that would be hurtful to anyone, much less a child. Fluttershy gave her a glance before focusing on Miracle,

“Alright.” She gave a tiny smile, “We’ll help you.”

Miracle once again found herself in Fluttershy’s forelegs, “Thank you so much!!” she leapt out of them, “I don’t even know where to start!”

Normally, if any of the Mane Six had gotten into a situation that involved magic, history, or science, Twilight would be their go-to mare. But due to recent events, she was not an option. It was a good thing they had another friend who over the decades had delved quite frequently into magic. Dash and Fluttershy turned their attention to one another;

“The Boutique.”

-MLP-

“Well aren’t you just one of the cutest little fillies I’ve ever met!” Rarity cooed as she cupped Miracle’s cheeks. The filly giggled, causing the unicorn to squeal even louder with delight.

“She’s a cute lil’ thing but uh…” Applejack cleared her throat, “Who is she? Where did she come from? Is she the reason we’re here?”

Pinkie giggled, “Silly, they foal-napped her!”

Miracle flittered her wings to land on Fluttershy’s back, earning a soft smile from her, “Yes. And she needs our help.”

The group focused their attention on the filly as she introduced herself.

“My name is Miracle, and as you can see, I’m a Pegasus!” she smiled, “However, ‘Miracle’ isn’t actually my name. I dunno what my real name is, and I don’t know why or how I ended up in the Everfree Forest. Also, I’m a very powerful pony, but my powers are locked away. In order for me to figure out who I am and what my powers are, I need to find a ‘dragon of knowledge’.”

“Ooooh that’s sounds really cool!” Pinkie squealed, “But how do you know about all this?”

Miracle smiled with confidence, “Ubenox!”

Pinkie and Applejack had perplexed looks on their faces, while Rarity had one of complete and utter shock,

“Ubenox appeared in your dreams?” she leaned in towards her, “What did Ubenox look like?”

Miracle rubbed her chin, “Well, his fur was black and white, but the color was split down the middle of his body! Ooh, and he had a pretty flowing dark blue mane and tail with little stars in it. And he had the little rocks that circled around his body. Oh yeah, and he had some reaaaaally blue eyes and was crazy tall!” Miracle finished with her hooves in the air for emphasis.

The group was unable to read the expression on Rarity’s face. Silence hung in the air for a moment before Rarity’s gaze floated over the girls,

“We will help this child. She has a destiny that cannot be ignored.”

The others looked back and forth between Rarity and Miracle. Applejack was the first to speak up,

“What in tarnation are ya talkin’ about?”

“Ubenox is a being that we’re all taught about in Celestia’s school for Gifted Unicorns.” She held a hoof up, silencing the group before they even spoke. “Yes, I did attend her school, Twilight isn’t the only intelligent mare in the group. I simply enjoy devoting my time to fashion and the daily coming-and-goings of being a socialite.” She focused back on Miracle, “You said you need to speak to a ‘dragon of knowledge’ correct?”

Miracle nodded.

Pinkie started to bounce in place, “Omigosh, we know a dragon!”

Dash nodded in agreement, “And he’s a real egghead all right.”

“But we ain’t seen him in years.” Applejack started. “Dragons get real nasty when they get older and are more uh…settled inta their roots. He may not try ta eat us, but who’s ta say that he wont have a real fit fer us getting’ all up in his space?”

“Well…we have to try anyway.” Fluttershy said in a soft tone, though it was still laced with determination. “If this is what needs to be done, then so be it.”

Miracle looked up at Fluttershy, “Who are we going to see?”

Fluttershy gave her a wink, “You’ll see.”

-MLP-

They were at the entrance of a mountainous cave that overlooked Ponyville from a distance. This place was sentimental to them, as this was the moment Fluttershy in ferocious bravery, stood up to a dragon to protect her friends. But the dragon from their memories no longer resided in this cave. Another dragon had taken its place. A dragon they had been friends with for years, but had fallen out of touch with due to the differing priorities and their scaly friend’s budding dragonian instincts. They hadn’t seen him in almost a decade, and so, they treaded carefully.

“WHO’S THERE?!” a voice boomed, “WHAT DO YOU WANT?!”

Dash cleared her throat, “Spike? Yo, its Dash!”

There was a moment of silence before Spike roared again,

“WHAT DO YOU WANT?!”

Dash rolled her eyes, “C’mon man, just come out and talk to us!”

The mouth of the cave rumbled and smoke began to billow from it, a pair of bright emerald eyes focused on Rarity, the snake like pupils constricting while doing so. A set of massive feet emerged from the darkness and landed beside in front of the group, creating small twisters of dust. He took slow and careful steps to not crush them as he emerged from the shadows.

He was a mountain of a beast, composed of tightly backed royal purple and green scales. The jagged green plates that ran along his spine were crowned by the singular row of equally jagged horns atop his head. Small wisps of smoke billowed from his nostrils filtered from his nostrils as he stared down at Dash,

“Again…what do you want?”

“Hey, no need to be rude!”

“Watch it Dash…” Applejack warned.

“You trespassed onto my home. I will act as I please.”

“Spike? Is this how you treat a lady?” Rarity quipped.

Spike’s gaze turned to her and softened, “Rarity?” he knelt down and held out a clawed hand to her. Even while kneeling, he still was easily two stories taller than them. Rarity stepped into his hand and he slowly brough her closer to his face.

“What’s happened to you, darling? What happened to the gentledrake I knew before?”

“You guys stopped coming.” Spike replied, bitter and sadness in his voice. “Forgot about me…”

Fluttershy flew up to get into his field of view, “No…no, Spike, we didn’t forget you…” she placed a hoof on his cheek, “We knew you were a growing dragon…dealing with a lot of things that we couldn’t teach you. We wanted you to embrace who you were, and let your full potential come out while you grew up in the Dragon Lands.”

“Ah’m sorry you felt like that!” Applejack shouted from the ground below. “We all are!”

Spike’s eyes widened in surprise as Pinkie landed on his snout,

“If you want, we could throw you a ‘Reunion’ Party if you want!”

“I-I-” Spike started to stammer.

Dash flew up and landed in his palm beside Rarity, “If there’s anything we can do to fix this…please tell us.”

A soft smile slowly bloomed across Spike’s face. Deep down…he could never be mad at his equine family. And he knew that with adulthood, life’s priorities would change and could put physical distance between friends and family.

“I will hold you all to your word…” Spike rumbled. A sadness glazed over her eyes as he reached down to let Applejack and Miracle into his palm, “However…I have a feeling that you’re not just popping up into the neighborhood…who is this little one?”

Miracle was hiding peeked from behind one of Applejack’s hindlegs.

“Don’t worry, I wont bite.” He licked his lips, “I may take a nibble though.”

“Spike, knock it off, she’s scared of you!”

“Hell, Ah ain’t gonna lie, I’m a might touch scared of how big you are! You were already pretty big when you left fer the Dragon Lands. How?”

“Ponyville stunted my growth.” He simply replied. “Within the first couple of years of me leaving, I quadrupled in size. My growth has slowed though, so perhaps I’m nearing the end.” He returned the attention to Miracle, “Now…who are you?”

Miracle slowly stepped forward and cleared her throat, “My name is Miracle, and I’m a Pegasus that spoke to Mr. Ubenox in a dream. He told me that I needed to speak to a ‘dragon of knowledge’ to help me beat something called the ‘Corrupted One’.” She looked around at the mares, “They brought me here because they said you might be able to help me.”

Spike nodded thoughtfully for a few moments before rising back up. He turned and started to walking into the mouth of the cave. Pillars of fire began to glow as they passed. The heat was becoming unbearable to the mares,

“Consarnit, its hotter than two rabbits fuckin’ in a wool sock!”

“Applejack!” Fluttershy snipped. Miracle and Dash giggled.

Spike snapped his fingers, and the fires turned a shade of turquoise. The temperature in the cave dropped almost instantly.

“Coool, where’d you learn to do that?” Pinkie questioned.

“Turns out, dragons can have the capability to perform magic as well. It just takes a lot of a concentration and discipline…things that are hard to have when the instinct of greed is nearly overpowering in most circumstances.”

They came to an open section in the cave. There were bookshelves that took up most of the wall space, most of which housing books that rose from the floors to the ceiling with dragon-sized tomes, rewrapped scrolls, magazines…any form of reading that could be found,

“While most dragons will hoard gold and precious gems…growing up around Twilight made it to where my hoard consisted of knowledge.”

He gently set his palmful of ponies down, before returning to get eyelevel with the bookshelves. He scanned the shelves until before pulling a massive mahogany colored leather-bound book. He shot a small spurt of green fire from his mouth, shrinking the book to a size more manageable for a pony. He knelt back down again, passing the book to Miracle,

“This should be able to help you.” Spike started. “If Ubenox has appeared, then matters must have gotten serious. If you need my assistance again, simply stop by again.”

Miracle nodded, “Thank you, Mr. Spike. This means a lot!”

The dragon smirked, “Not a problem..but please, do make sure to return this….” His eyes darkened, “I’d be upset if something from my hoard got destroyed…” he looked to the rest of the group, “Is there anyway I can be of assistance?”

“Would you be so kind as to return us to the mouth of the cave?” Rarity questioned. “We have quite a trek back to Ponyville…”

Spike smirked, “I’ll do you one better…”

Fire bubbled up in the back of his throat. The girls got panicked looks on his face, and let out horrified shouts as they were engulfed in the surprisingly gentle warmth of Spike’s flames, as he magically sent them back to the borders of Ponyville.

-MLP-

The group was back at the Carousel Boutique, all surrounding the book Spike had provided them. Pinkie snatched it from the middle of them and began to read a few of the pages. She looked up at the group and smiled,

“I didn’t get any of it!” she declared confidently.

“Give it to me.” Rarity ordered as she took it into her magical grasp. She flipped through the book for a minute before slamming her hooves on a page,

“Ah! Here it is, ‘Cosmic Child & The Corrupted One’.” She began to read the page aloud. “Ubenox is one of the deities that watches over the cosmos, known as a ‘Child of the Universe’ or ‘Cosmic Child’. He walks along the past, present, and future. His knowledge is said to come from all lives that have ever existed, or will exists, thus giving him infinite knowledge. He’s known to be one of the balancing forces of the universe, though some believe he may only a messenger or soldier for the gods. Should he or the other ‘Cosmic Children’ fail to fulfill their purpose, the gods and goddesses of the Higher Plane will come down, and…cleanse the universe…”

Applejack threw her hooves up in exasperation, “Great…so there’s some kinda evil thing out there, and if we don’t handle it, some higher power is gonna do a hard reset on our existence?” she looked at Miracle, “Lil’ filly, ya haven’t haven been in ourlives fer more than a day an’ yer already turnin’ em upside down.”

Miracle shrugged, “Sorry Miss Applejack…”

“There’s more.” Rarity continued. “The Corrupted One isn’t actually a ‘living thing’ per se, but a manifestation of all the dark thoughts that have existed or will exist. Though an age cannot be placed on it, it is believed to be older than Ubenox, as he was birthed as a counter to this…thing. In order for the Corrupted One to become a legitimate threat, it must find a proper host to control…to feed on the dark thoughts of the mortal. From there, it will then begin to feed on the very essence, devouring their soul, until nothing remains…” she paused for a moment to let the end of that sink in. “The Corrupted One has no plans to control the universe…but seeks its outright destruction. It will continue to destroy parts of the universe until the host dies, where it will find a new host and begin its process of possession all over again…”

Everyone sat in silence for a moment before Pinkie bounced to her hooves.

“Awesome! So we know what’s going on now. Kinda.” She looked down at Miracle, “So what’s next?”

“I…I don’t know.” Miracle softly replied. “Mr. Ubenox didn’t tell me anything after that…”

“Great, an’ we dunno how ta get in contact with the ‘King of the Universe’.” Applejack huffed.

“Child of the Universe.” Rarity corrected. “And I’m sure there will be a spell in this book that can tell us how to receive his visions without sitting around and waiting for one to come to us.” She looked down at the book and began flipping through the pages once more. Her eyes fell onto a paragraph and she paused. She remained frozen while only her eyes rolled back and forth along the lines, before she nodded to herself and looked up at the others.

“It’s a blood offering and a hallucinogenic herbal potion.” She closed the book, “Quite simple to do…” she stood up, “Follow me. I have a place were we can do this. These kinds of potions and spell can get a bit…messy, and I don’t want my beautiful storefront caught in the crossfire.” She walked over to a nearby door that led to a set of descending stairs. The others followed, until they made their way into the surprisingly clean and organized basement. While random boxes of stored goods lined some of the walls, there was a small section of the basement was dedicated to the arcane. A decently sized table was lined with beakers filled with random oozes. Next to it, a shelving unit that held books and the prepping materials needed to make whatever thing Rarity felt like trying to create. She magically grabbed a few tiny bowls, a couple herbs, and a small knife. She cleared one of the tables off and placed the items down. She turned to the others,

“Alright, each of you place a hoof over this bowl. I’m going to need some of your blood.”

Dash gawked, “What? Hold up now!”

Rarity sighed in exasperation, “Potions of this caliber need a ‘personal touch’.” She grabbed the knife and placed a hoof over one of the bowls. She effortlessly sliced the skin above her horseshoe open. The blood briefly flowed freely, before the wound hissed as it closed up on its own.

“Since our little darling Miracle doesn’t have an Element, I will make sure to tend to her wound as soon as she provides the amount needed for this spell.”

The girls looked at one another. Applejack focused on her,

“Ya sure ‘bout this?”

“I’m positive.” Rarity replied in reassurance, “I give you my word that I won’t let anything go wrong.”

“Pinkie Promise!” Pinkie demanded.

Rarity proceeded to make the hoof motions, “Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” She finished with a smile as she placed a hoof over her eye, satisfying the Earth Pony.

“Alrighty!”

Pinkie took the knife into her grasp and made a quick motion over her foreleg. Her blood poured into the bowl, and just like Rarity, her wound quickly closed up. The others followed suit, each contributing to the bowl until it was Miracle’s turn. She looked up fearfully at Fluttershy,

“I’m too scared to do it…” Miracle admitted. Fluttershy cupped her cheeks,

“You’re going to be just fine, I promise. There might be just a little burning, but then it will be all over.”

“But what if it hurts a lot?”

“It won’t.” Fluttershy stated with a smile, “As a matter of fact, it’s done.”

Confusion washed over the white Pegasus’ face, “Huh?”

She looked down to see Dash wrapping a small roll of gauze above her horseshoe. Rarity was wiping the knife clean.

“You didn’t even flinch.” Dash smiled softly, “Good job.”

Miracle smiled back, “Thank you, Miss Dash.”

“No problem, kiddo.”

Rarity grabbed another much larger bowl and mixed the herbs in it, before adding the blood bowl to it. She levitated a beaker with a bright orange ooze sloshing in it and added it to the concoction, which she quickly followed with a violet hued potion. She then offered the bowl to her friends,

“Drink up!”

Applejack shook her head, “HELL NAW!”

“How else did you think you were going to take the potion?” Rarity questioned with a deadpanned expression. “Besides, with the way I’ve mixed this, it’s not like you just drinking just a straight up bowl of blood. I assure you, there’s no risk of any…diseases being transferred, if that’s what you’re concerned about.”

“But I mean…its still blood.” Dash agreed. “Kinda nasty.”

Frustration flashed on Rarity’s face, “Neither one of you are exactly the cleanest ponies I’ve ever met. In fact, you’re both quite repulsive in some circumstances-”

“HEY!” Dash and Applejack shouted in unison.

“So I think you both can manage to suck it up for a second and take a sip! It won’t even taste like blood.”

Pinkie clacked her hooves together, “Does that mean it’ll taste like candy?”

Rarity frowned, “I wouldn’t exactly say that-”

Before she could finish, Pinke snatched the bowl from her grasp and took a swig. She smacked her lips as the others looked on in shock.

“Mmm!” she smacked again, “It kinda taste li-”

She sat at attention and froze. Her eyes glazed over for a moment before the entirety of her eyes went violet. Applejack waved a hoof in front of her,

“Pinks? Pinkie? Sugar, what’s wrong?” she shook her, with no response. She turned angrily to Rarity.

“What did that shit do to her?”

“Her mind is in an altered state. She’s in a plane of existence beyond our own.” Rarity replied, then smirked. “All we have to do is follow her brash example.”

Rarity copied Pinkie, and it wasn’t long before she was in the same frozen state. One by one, the rest of the girls followed Pinkie and Rarity into this different plane, where they would hopefully, find the answers they needed…