C-R-O-W-N-E-D S-O-U-L

Chapters

Ch. 1 Little Pile of Hate
Ch. 2 I'm Not a Ball
Ch. 3 Not What it Seems
Interlude 1: Last Remnant
Ch. 4 Looking the Part
Ch. 5 Lesson 0²
Interlude 2: The Watcher
Ch. 6 Castle Crasher

Ch. 1 Little Pile of Hate

C-R-O-W-N-E-D S-O-U-L
By: Mordy

Ch. 1 Little Pile of Hate

Hate is a powerful word. Such negativity not only in of itself, but in the very air that surrounds it when it is spoken. It’s almost magical in a way. Just saying it causes one to feel the dissonance that emits from it. Such is its power. Not many want to use the word even if it is what they feel. They think they’re somehow better if they don’t admit to it and make it seem as if they’re humble and in control by not giving in. It’s somewhat ironic that they loathe to admit that they hate something.

Want to know what I think of such people? I think they’re utter fools! Why deny such feelings and bottle it up? It only helps if you reserve them for the right moment to unleash it. Otherwise you’re just hurting yourself. That’s why I embrace it and all other negative emotions.

You’re might be wondering who I am to embrace such darkness. Well, I’ll tell you. I am the great Magolor! The manipulator, the wielder of dark matter, he who wears the Master Crown, the one defeated by that annoying pink puff ball!

I try to downplay that last part.

Yes, I am that Magolor… sort of… kind of… not exactly. I should probably explain…

You see, I was human at one point. Then I put on what I thought was just a neat replica of the Master Crown. Turns out it was the genuine article. It transformed me into Magolor and transported me to another universe.

Now, when I say I was morphed into Magolor, I’m not talking about cute seemingly harmless Magolor. I’m also not speaking of magician form Magolor. I’m talking Magolor Soul Ex form. As in, “oh god, that would be so awesome if it wasn’t going to kill us,” Magolor. Evil red eye in the mouth and all.

So, now you might be thinking, “That’s cool, so you got transported to the Kirby Universe?” Well… not exactly. Kinda got thrown a little off course and ended up not quite there. In fact, I wasn’t even close at all. The only comparison was that the world I ended up in was just about as colorful.

Where did I end up? As it turns out, I was transported to Equestria…

Yeah, as in My Little Pony universe. Thankfully it was Friendship is Magic version of the universe and since I was a fan of the show this pleased me greatly. Though, I had to deal with a few issues.

First, I had to stop panicking about my new form. That was made even harder by the fact I was in a snow covered field not knowing where the hell I was. After I calmed down I started to experiment with my powers and that’s where I got giddy. I was amazed to find out that my powers weren’t restricted to Magolor, but all the Soul bosses plus a few extras. I was quite happy with this even though I was stranded in god knows where.

The next issue that came up was that I was more unfamiliar with the world than I should have been. This was mostly because I was in a completely different time era. To give you an idea of when it was (not that I knew the exact date and period) it was sometime after Discord had been sealed, but before the Crystal Empire had disappeared and Luna had yet to have her little… let’s call it “episode”.

So, how did I narrow it down to that? The answer is simpler than you think. I merely ran into Sombra.

If you’re hoping some kind of epic fight happened, I hate to be the bearer of bad news… actually I like giving bad news. There was no confrontation between us. He took one look at me and immediately thought: Nope! It was kind of disappointing since I knew so little about him, what with his lack of character development in the show and little screen time.

That meeting was where I learned a little something about Equestria. As it turns out, there’s a hierarchy for villains. It works like this; the more sinister and evil you look the higher you rank up. So, if you went by my looks alone I was pretty much Equestria’s ultimate super villain and probably seen as the complete antithesis of Celestia. In other words, I was king of the hill. Though let it go on the record that your rank on said hill doesn’t reflect your level of power, just your general evilness as viewed by the general public.

The next thing I did was make friends with Sombra… I know, hear me out.

I didn’t have much else to do and it wasn’t like I was going to be accepted by any of the ponies of this world as anything else, but a monster. Sombra and I were also in sync. What with him using dark magic and me somehow being able to feed off the negative emotions of others, we got along quite swimmingly. Besides, I was very curious to learn more about him. It was probably going to be my only opportunity and I wasn’t doing anything else.

To describe Sombra, I’d best say he was like a pony with Asperger’s Syndrome. Actually, I think he may have had it. He had odd social quirks, didn’t know how to appropriately hold small conversations, and he had an obsession with Crystals. Though I think we all knew that last part. He had always been shunned by most of society because of his oddities. It also didn’t help that he was easily frustrated because he would often miss out on social queues. It was kind of sad. Not really his fault, he grew up in a time where such a mental disability was an unknown and was seen as someone to avoid. So, these factors lead to him to secluding himself to his magic and his other obsessions. Things that he could understand.

Now, when I first met Sombra he had yet to conquer the Crystal Empire. Though, I may have given him the idea when I mentioned its existence and how one could spread emotions throughout Equestria using the crystal heart. Uh… my bad?

Could I have stopped him? Yes. Was I going to? Pfft… nope! As time went on I had found myself caring less and less about the feelings of others and I might have been getting a bit more selfish and evil. Though I bet that was merely my imagination. Besides, I wasn’t going to mess with history. I knew the outcome of everything, so I thought it was best if I just let things run their course.

That didn’t stop me from enjoying myself, with Crystal Heart spreading fear and hate through the land I found my own power growing with it. I was quite happy with this and I sort of became the Crystal Empire’s unofficial guardian. Not because I wanted to protect it, but because I enjoyed using my abilities to crush anything that tried to attack it. Was like having a beacon summoning challengers to fall to my power!

Then the sisters showed up…

I said I wasn’t going to interfere with history, but with me siphoning energy from the crystal heart and a chance to fight Princess Celestia and Princess Luna I couldn’t help myself. Besides, they attacked first… if you don’t count that preemptive strike I got on them. They were getting ready to attack me, so I just struck them before they could get the first strike. I’m pretty sure they were about to attack or they might have just been stunned by the sight of me. Okay, maybe I was the one who struck the first blow…

Let’s be reasonable and logical about this. You’re the rulers of this land and have never seen anything like me before. You find yourself looking at a creature made up of dark matter with more spikes and horns on him than a porcupine has quills with a giant red eye inside of his mouth that not only was guarding the Crystal Empire, but was friends with the penultimate bad guy. Are you really thinking that maybe I can be reasoned with?!

So, I fought them. How did the fight go? To put it frankly, I kicked their flanks six ways from Sunday. It was a very fun battle… for me. Not so much for them. I at least had the courtesy of sparing them. I was also hoping for the chance to have another go at them after they had recovered. Looking back at it now, I probably should have finished them off when I had the chance.

Anyway, I sent them away with their tails between their legs, but they came back for another round. I was expecting to have some more fun, but they had other plans though. The sisters did the worst thing possible in a fight; they cheated. Those two horses had the gall to use the instant win button on me, better known as the Elements of Harmony!

Now, I tried to stop them, I thought I could interrupt the attack, but seems those elements even give them invincibility frames or rather shield them from most attacks. I really should have seen that coming. So I did the most reasonable thing. I fled… or rather I tried to. I have the ability to open portals to travel to and through other dimensions, but I really should remember to close the damn things more quickly! That blasted homing rainbow cannon followed me through my own portal and struck me there. Celestia and Luna were able to see me get hit before my portal closed. I’ll never forget that smug look on their faces.

So, what’s it like getting hit by the orbital friendship beam? I’ll tell you in a word. Painful. That thing stings! My entire being was torn apart and bits of me were flung out of my personal pocket dimension and back into Equestria.

When I finally became aware of myself again I was back in the snowy tundra’s of the Crystal Empire, except the said empire was now gone. I then found out something horrible. I couldn’t move. The Elements of Harmony seemed to have many odd possible effects. They can banish you to the moon, turn you into stone, purify you of your envy, but it did none of those to me. I’m only guessing, but seeing as I was a soul made of magic and dark matter I’d wager it seemed the elements found it appropriate to turn me into a dark crystal.

It gets worse though, the flow of time can be different in other planes so, hours had passed for Equestria when I was in my dark realm. So, not only was I stuck as a Crystal, which is quite uncomfortable I might add, and slowly building a layer of snow on me, but the Princess’ didn’t even know I had been flung back into Equestria! They probably thought I was forever sealed between dimensions.

If they knew I was back then they definitely would have taken me with them to lock me away in some vault. Not leave me alone where they couldn’t keep an eye on me. It’d be foolish to do so. That would be like leaving a dangerous possessed suit of armor locked up in chains in your basement then moving and forgetting to bring it with you while leaving it completely unguarded. Who in their right mind would do that?!

Sorry, I’m rambling. You tend to do that when you’ve been stuck as long as I have. Anyway, I was trapped in crystal in a snowy wasteland with nothing to do. At first I tried to see if I could break out of my prison. No luck there. Don’t think I gave up easily either. I went at it for who knows how long. I occasionally stopped to rest and then I would start up again. My motivator was the fact I could be here for as long as it would take for the Crystal Empire to reappear. That meant at least one thousand years before I could get out. I’d go mad before then… and I kinda did.

So much hatred filled me. Most of it directed at the sisters who imprisoned me. With no way of escaping my confines I plotted and planed. With my knowledge of events of the future I could find the perfect moment to take my revenge.

At first, I thought if I could get out after Nightmare Moon’s banishment I could swipe the Elements after Celestia abandoned her castle. Unfortunately that would be unlikely. If I was released after Nightmare’s return then I’ll be in a bit of trouble. The elements would be together again, but I would have a window of opportunity to maybe kidnap one of the bearers until I took care of Celestia and Luna. Though, I’d have to deal with the rest of the mane six.

The problem with the Elements of Harmony is there isn’t an easy permanent solution. If I destroy them, then bearers could just restore them through their bonds with one another. Just like when they defeated Nightmare Moon. If I kill a bearer then the element will possibly just find a new host. Though, I’d bet the other five would be too slow to figure this out. Unfortunately, they would figure it out eventually. Another option is to kill the mane six and destroy the elements. However, with my luck an army of bronies will show up to seek revenge. If not that then new bearers will come together with the elements restored. That was easily the worst option because I wouldn’t be able to see them coming till probably too late.

I had to rack my brain or whatever I had in my current form to figure out a more viable solution. My best bet would have to be after the elements were returned to the Tree of Harmony. Even that might not be enough. Sadly I would have to play most of this by ear. Still I had options and I could use whatever worked best. As long as I could keep the sisters away from the elements my victory would be assured.

So, as I went insane from boredom I could only sleep, make futile attempts to escape my prison, stare out at the mountains and wasteland, stare out at the blanket of snow that sometimes coated my crystal, think about whatever, or let my hate simmer.

It wasn’t until something hit me that I finally got out of my funk. And I mean it literally hit me. A pony explorer had been wandering the tundra until his hoof struck me. After a few curses from both of us he picked me up to examine my container. At first all he saw was a dark purple crystal that was pitch black on the inside. No light could escape from it. However, a second glance and all he saw was dollar signs.

Now, he started to dig around in the snow like an idiot hoping to find more, which of course he wouldn’t. However, that was when I learned I had an ability I was never aware of. I could put suggestive thoughts into the minds of others. The weaker willed they were the easier they became to manipulate. Of course it had to be simple stuff and if I did it too much or straight up tried to mind control them they started to become more aware of what I was trying to do. At that point all my directions would just fall on deaf ears and possibly reveal me.

So, I was able to put the idea that he wouldn’t find more crystals and it would be best to return to Equestria. From there I was passed around a lot. No one knew what to do with me, but if I got an annoying owner I could occasionally get them to sell me off or pawn me. I could even compel some to buy me.

I quickly found out that Nightmare Moon had come and gone, but not enough time had passed for her return. Not enough to my liking at least. Let me put it this way, Canterlot was still under construction and there was no Ponyville at the time. However, with my new found passion of being a collectable I was able to see and learn a lot more. It was fairly fascinating to watch some of the cities evolve into huge metropolises.

At one point a unicorn got ahold of me that recognize there was magic contained within the crystal and tried to break me out. I was really rooting for him to do so. It did wake me up from some of my naps, but freedom would have been worth it. Unfortunately, he never succeeded and I got traded again.

So, who owns me now? Well, no one in particular. As of now I’m currently stuck on display in some museum in Canterlot where I’m just a random rare crystal that scientists and mages occasionally study in an effort figure me out. So far they’ve learned squat, but that doesn’t seem to deter them nor fascinate them any less. It’s kind of fun to listen to their theories. Even if they’re all wrong.

On the bright side Nightmare Moon returned and then was restored as Princess Luna. That also meant I had been stuck as this thing for over a thousand years. I’ve been here so long I don’t even remember my life as a human. Strangely enough, I find myself not caring. I guess my old wasn’t too important and it’s not like I could return to it with so much time that had passed. Regardless, I’d soon be able to escape and wreak havoc on Equestria!

That’s when a horrifying thought came to me. One that had never crossed my mind. What if I never escaped? What if I was doomed to be stuck here for eternity and never get my revenge? I might not have a way to escape at all. That idea shook me to the core.

At that moment one of the museum’s guards ran up to another that just happened to be passing by me. As the stallion caught his breath and adjust his blue officer hat he then relayed an order, “Hey, we’ve been told to close up the place and have everypony return home!”

The other cocked his head. “Really? Why?” He asked, but was a bit happy to go home early.

“I’m not sure, but I’ve been hearing some weird stuff,” the first guard replied.

“Like what?”

“Well, I’ve heard some ponies have been saying they’ve been seeing pink clouds. Some are even saying that they’re raining chocolate!”

“What?!”

What?! I thought, knowing full well what that meant. Discord must have just escaped. If I recalled correctly, he got out because the elements had weaken their hold on him and some certain school fillies had caused a bit of ruckus and disharmony allowing him to be released. That means… I might just be able to escape too!

I waited for the two knucklehead guards to leave before I carefully checked my surroundings to make sure there was no one else around. Once I was sure the coast was clear, I began to ball up all my pent up hatred and lashed out at my chamber. At first there was nothing, but then I saw it; a crack.

I was overjoyed and attacked triumphantly as it grew bigger and bigger until finally the noise of a shattering crystal echoed the hall. At that moment it was the most beautiful sound in the world to me. An absolute symphony to my ears… if my form had ears.

My body fell to the floor with an unceremonious smack that sounded like a glob of paint falling against concrete. I stretched out with a moan as my other senses came back to me. First and foremost my magical one followed by one of my several visual ones. It was then I noticed something felt odd… or rather wrong.

I thought it was just because I got out and I was still recovering, but I felt weak. Weaker than I should be. It may have been a long time since I was in my glorious soul form, but what I felt now was nothing like it. It wasn’t until I glanced at a large mirror on display that I figured what was wrong.

What stared back at me wasn’t some demonic god, but instead was a large black slime ball a bit larger than a head with two elliptical white eyes staring back. I was essentially nothing, but dark matter in a thick liquid form.

A mouth formed on my being into what looked like a smile, but when it opened it revealed what was really a giant eyeball. My entire body was basically just one giant eyelid for that one crimson eye. I used it to glare out at the mirror as it became bloodshot as if it were angry. And well… I was. Quite furious in fact. I had escaped my prison, but I was now weak and vulnerable. I had no idea why either!

That’s when realization dawned on me like Celestia’s sun. When I had been hit by the Elements of Harmony I recalled bits and pieces of my body falling apart. I think I might even saw my crown. It certainly wasn’t on my “head” right now.

I let off an angered growl as my plans were suddenly turned upside down. So, I quickly had a new one formed:

Find my crown.
Restore my power.
Disable the Elements of Harmony.
???
Profit!

As I chuckled mischievously, I heard approaching hoofsteps. I quickly scurried or whatever it is that slimes do to move around, over to a nearby display and hid behind it. I shut my large eye and peaked out with my two white ones. If I got caught at least I wouldn’t look very threatening. I could feign being harmless until I had a chance to make my move.

It was the two guards again or as I like to call them, Tweedledee and Tweedledum. They were in a panic and it wasn’t from my broken display.

“It’s not enough we have a madhouse going outside, but now this!” the one I called Dee, exclaimed as he started to hyperventilate.

Dum tried to rub his back to calm him. “Forget about the stupid crystal! Let’s just get somewhere safe and hope Princess Celestia can stop all this chaos.”

Dee gulped and hesitated before he quickly rushed out with Dum in tow, but in that brief moment I had been fed with their panicked visage. The negative emotions I had felt gave me a little bit of power and now my form was a little bit more solid. If I could just find more ponies with such distress I could get enough power to get my revenge or at least enough so my dark matter was at least a bit more solid.

Thankfully, with Discord on the loose I knew exactly where I could find a buffet of ponies in an absolute panic. A quiet, little town that most ponies knew as Ponyville. Discord was surely raising some chaos there!

With what little power I had, I concentrated as a multi colored star shape hole opened before me. That little act exhausted me immensely, but even though I hadn’t stepped through I could already feel the dissonant emotions flowing from the gate. Already I felt a little more of my power return as I quickly hopped through the warp star and on my way to restore myself to my full glory and to seek my revenge!

Author's Note

So, after seeing a lot of LoHAV fics floating around I kind of wanted to do one. So, I thought to myself who is a good bad guy that someone could be turned into? Well, after my recent Kirby binge I went with the best boss final boss from the series. To my readers of my other stories, I am sooo sorry! XD

I really need to do another Roses for the Grave chapter, but I've been busy and to lazy to make final edits on earlier chapters. Mostly cause I have to do them in one go.

Ch. 2 I'm Not a Ball

C-R-O-W-N-E-D S-O-U-L
By: Mordy

Ch. 2 I’m Not a Ball

As I passed through the dimension between dimensions I ended up in an alley between two of Ponyville’s houses. Granted one of those houses was floating upside down and the other was made out of chocolate pudding, but this all seemed normal by Discord standards. I also found it quite humorous and I really don’t understand why some ponies look upon this in horror. It seems fairly harmless… to a degree. I suppose it would make it harder to get inside your homes and you may not want to sleep on pudding.

Anyway, I peeked out into the streets and sure enough the whole town was in chaos. Looked like Candyland out there, what with mismatched colored hills and other odd array of colors. Ponies were running around like it was the end of the world while others were under Discord’s magic and were thus embracing the chaos or adding to it.

I found it all… glorious. The negative emotions were at an all-time high for these ponies and I was having the most wonderful feast! How I fed was similar yet different than changelings. For one, the emotion had to be felt by the target or targets. For changelings that had to be love, but for me it had to be other emotions like fear, anger, or sorrow. The biggest difference between us, besides what we ate, was how we fed. A changeling needs to be close to their meal to be able to use their magic to feed, but I on the other hand only needed to be within range. And boy, what range did I have. It wasn’t as large as when I was in my ultimate form, but I could feel all of ponyville’s pain being drawn into me. I was like a lightning rod for the stuff.

While it wasn’t at the levels of the Crystal Empire in its prime, it was enough to get me going. I even managed to solidify myself. I still looked a bit gooey or slimy, but at least my form was more stable.

With not much else to do, I simply wandered around Ponyville, taking in the odd sights and sounds. I merely hopped along here and there while giggling at the misfortunes of others. From stampedes of long legged bunnies, to pegasi getting caught in cotton candy clouds, to ponies slip and sliding on chocolate puddles. It was like watching cartoons again, only it was now live!

Thankfully, everyone was content to ignore me, so I was just sitting around and chuckling to myself at their misery. Of course, I made sure not to open my mouth to reveal my eye. If ponies were panicking at Discord’s antics then the uproar that would happen at seeing me would draw much unneeded attention. Last thing I needed was the Elements of Harmony on my tail.

My power was returning slowly, but I’d soon be able to defend myself at least and get around without too much trouble. I was planning my next move when I noticed I was now floating.

I blinked, I didn’t think I had gotten enough power to do that again, but then I started to rise faster and higher from the ground. That’s when I realized something was lifting me up. Then I heard the chuckling.

“Well now, what do we have here?” a very familiar voice asked from behind me.

There was only one thought that went through my mind. Please tell me that’s John de Lancie…

I was turned around to find myself disappointed and staring at Discord. The draconequus gave me a toothy grin as began to juggle me between his mismatched appendages before finally holding me in front of his face again. It was at that moment that I learned I could sweat profusely.

“I’ve never seen something like you before and I’ve practically seen it all,” Discord said as he gave a hearty chuckle. He occasionally squished my sides like I was toy. I was glad I didn’t make squeaking sounds. I might not have had any grudge with him before, but now that was starting to change. I would have loved to glare at him with big eye. However, I bet if I just did nothing he’d get bored with me and move on.

He tossed me around a few more times before he stopped. He looked at me once, trying to determine what I was before shrugging. “Well, whatever you are I can bother you later. I have other things I could be doing.”

He lightly threw me to the ground where upon impact I bounced right up where he caught me again. I even made a little noise when I had hit the ground. Discord just looked at me with a blank expression before a mischievous grin spread across his face.

Oh no…

That’s when Discord then threw me up into the air and when he caught me again he was now wearing a basketball jersey. Upon closer inspection I saw that it consisted of blue, white, red, and gold. As it turns out, Discord was an honorary Globetrotter and even started to whistle out their theme.

You can probably guess what happened next. He started dribbling me around Ponyville like a basketball. He bounced me between his legs, doing little tricks with me, and even spinning me on his claws. When I wasn’t dizzy I was getting slammed itno the ground with each bounce. The only upside was that the power I kept drawing from ponies was easing the pain and I had the foresight to know that the Elements of Harmony would take care of him soon enough. Too bad that wasn’t soon enough!

The next thing that happened was Discord summoning a basketball hoop and then shooting me at it. I slammed against the backboard and fell neatly through the net, hitting the ground with a few painful bounces. There was even a buzzer and scoreboard that appeared.

After I stopped bouncing my two white eyes widened. There was now a basketball court and two teams of Discords and one dressed as a referee. I found that last one to be a bit of an oxymoron.

Thus began the miserable and rough game of chaos basketball. I was tossed around so much I thought I would have blown chunks if I had stomach. I never thought the Lord of Chaos would get so much entertainment out of little old me. I was just glad I was able to remain quiet during the whole thing. I could afford no hint of who I am nor did I want to give Discord the satisfaction that he was making me so miserable that I was missing my little crystal prison.

One painful game of twenty-one later, Discord stopped and dismissed his clones, the court, and his attire. He sighed, “Well, now I’m bored.”

Oh, thank God…

That’s when he changed into a soccer uniform. “How about a new game?”

NOOOO!!!

I was trembling at that point, but then salvation came my way as a pony shouted at the draconequus, “Hold it right there Discord!”

I couldn’t see, but I recognized that voice. Discord turned his head to the one that called out and grinned. “Why hello there Twilight! How has your day been?”

I was nearly in tears as I was filled with the joy knowing I’d soon be free of this new torment. Discord was even kind enough to drop me to the ground to give the elements his full attention. I kind of drowned out the conversation from there. I was too busy letting my unseen bruises heal to try and get away. Not that it would matter now.

I watched as the rainbow came crashing down on Discord leaving him… unscathed? I blinked and would have rubbed my eyes if had the means to do so.

Why isn’t he turned to stone? Why is he still here? That doesn’t make any sense! He should be–

My thoughts were interrupted when I looked at the Elements of Harmony. First thing I noticed that Rainbow Dash was missing and instead there was the purple dragon Spike, recently dubbed as the new Rainbow Dash. The other bearers were also monochrome except for Twilight. This meant they had only just found the Elements of Harmony.

As Discord started his spiel of depressing Twilight and making fun of her failure, I thought this would be a good time to sneak away. So, I started to hop my little self away, feeling annoyed and a bit of pain with each bounce. Unfortunately I didn’t get far before Discord had his one goat hoof leg holding me down.

“Now where do you think you’re going?” Discord asked as he kicked me up and started to keep me in the air using only his legs and knees. “We can’t play our game if our ball runs away!” His clones returned in soccer get ups now.

So, I became his punching bag for the next hour or so. I was kicked all over the place and with each passing second I started to hate the mane six more and more for taking so long. Also didn’t help that I thought soccer was boring. Seemed Discord shared my sentiments because he grew bored faster than our first game. At first I was thankful for this, but then Discord came up with a new game; rugby.

Have you ever played or seen a game of rugby? It’s a rough sport, like football. I never played it myself until that day and I would never want to again. It seemed less about scoring and more about beating the crud out of everyone else or in this case, me. So, I got crushed, pummeled, squashed, and every other synonym for a beat down.

My very existence seemed to be nothing, but misery at this point. I was thankful when Discord wanted to rest and sat on his makeshift throne of chaos in the center of Ponyville. Too bad he kept me around and was spinning me on his talon. I was gonna be permanently dizzy at this rate.

He set me on the chairs arm so he could drink some chocolate milk. “Ah, chaos is such a wonderful, wonderful thing!” He was about to sip triumphantly from his drink, but then at that moment I suddenly had a sense of déjà vu.

“Not as wonderful as friendship!” Twilight shouted at him, the other bearers behind her and ready for action.

Finally! It took them long enough. I’ll even look pass that corny line if it means Discord is out of my hair! Figuratively speaking of course.

“Oh, this again?” Discord groaned as he sipped away the glass instead of the milk. He looked at the chocolate for a moment before tossing it over his shoulder and causing an explosion where it hit.

“That’s right! You couldn’t break apart our friendship for long.” Applejack called out.

Discord just rolled his eyes. “Oh Applejack don’t lie to me,” he started as he used his magic to pull her and the other bearers except Twilight by their necklaces over to him. “Will you ever learn?”

Don’t suppose we can fast forward this? I’m really eager to have this done and over with!

Twilight teleported into the center of the group and put a shield around her and her friends as she floated them safely back to the ground, much to Discords annoyance. I actually giggled a little and Discord took notice for a moment before regarding it as his overactive imagination.

Twilight started her clichéd hero speech as Discord start using me as a stress ball, squeezing me between his lion paw and eagle claw. I may not have revealed my mouth, but my eyes could still show levels of emotion such as my pain. This didn’t go unnoticed by Fluttershy.

I drowned out most of Twilights little lesson just because it made me want to groan in annoyance just as much as it did Discord. Although, Discord was more audible with his displeasure as he got up in their faces with me in tow. “Ugh, gag! Fine go ahead and try and use your little elements. Friend me! Just make it quick,” he said as he teleported back to his throne and some pigs with wings flew by. “I’m missing some excellent chaos here!”

“Alright ladies,” Twilight began, “Let’s show him what friendship can do!”

“Oh, wait, wait, wait!” Pinkie Pie quickly said as she took one last chocolate rain shower. We all just stared at her antics before she returned to the group. I shouldn’t have been as surprised by that as I was.

The girls began to glow as their elements started to power up. Discord merely yawned with boredom. I gave off a knowing chuckle which caught Discord’s attention, but I didn’t care at this point. It wasn’t until the elements started to really kick into overdrive that he realized he was in trouble. “No!” he shouted as he finally dropped me and I bounced away laughing devilishly at his misfortune.

The orbital friendship cannon fired and blasted that nuisance back into a stony prison while restoring the land back to its original state. Meanwhile, I just rolled off to safety… sort of. Unfortunately, I had been so beat up I no longer had the energy to move. That wasn’t why I was in trouble. The reason I was a bit nervous was because I had rolled over to the mane six.

While they were happy at Discord’s defeat, when they finally noticed me their happiness turned to looks of confusion as I just stared up at them. I felt even more uncomfortable as they surrounded me trying to make heads or tails of me.

“Uh, what is it?” Applejack was the first to ask as she scratched the side of her head in a worthless attempt to get info out of her miniscule brain.

Twilight looked over me, but didn’t touch me. “I’m not sure; I’ve never seen anything like it. From the looks of it I think it might have been Discord’s pet. What with the way he held onto it earlier.”

I glared at the lavender mare at her referring to me as his pet. If he was my owner then he was a very abusive one.

Rainbow Dash hovered over me and eyed me suspiciously. “If it is his pet then shouldn’t we blast it as well?” It might have been hard to tell, but my eyes widened and darted left to right in an attempt to shake my head as if I was trying to communicate no.

“Now Dash, you shouldn’t be so quick to judge. Could just be some innocent… whatever it is, that was being bullied by Discord,” Rarity chipped in, making her my favorite pony at that moment in time.

It was then Pinkie decided to poke me. “Gooey!” she giggled out as I winced in horrible pain as she touched a sore spot.

I was in so much agony I finally passed out. The last thing I heard was Fluttershy squeaking, “You poor thing!” Then I saw only darkness…

Author's Note

Another chapter for you guys! Little shorter, but gets things rolling. Heh, rolling!
To give you and idea of what's to come our little Magolor will be feigning innocence while being all sneaky to get his power back. Being manipulative seems very in character to the original.

I also want to thank you guys for like my story so much that it actually got onto the popular stories side bar. That's a record for me! I have two really good stories under my belt with high marks, but never managed to get them there or on the featured list. I'm sure one day I'll manage to do so with them!

Ch. 3 Not What it Seems

C-R-O-W-N-E-D S-O-U-L
By: Mordy

Ch. 3 Not What it Seems

Despite what little memories I have of my human life, I still recall how I came across the crown. The details are fuzzy and foggy and I can’t recall what I looked like. Whenever I try it’s just a blurry face. Probably because it was so long ago and I’ve spent more of my existence as Magolor.

It was an antique shop. I know that sounds like on odd place to find an all-powerful crown and maybe a little bit clichéd. Though some of you might be wondering what kind of guy goes to an antique shop? Well, it was on a whim. I had passed the place a few times before, but then one day I just felt… drawn to it. As if my curiosity had to be sated.

I don’t recall what the place looked like or the owner. But I do remember the first time I laid eyes on my most valued treasure; the Master Crown. To quickly describe it, it was a golden crown with spikes extending from its greenish blue jewel and base.

I of course recognized it from Return to Dreamland and thought it nothing more than a prop. I did think it was weird that it was in an antique shop, but merely guessed that someone made a replica and tricked the owner into buying it like it was a real collector’s piece.

Normally I’d never buy such a thing, yet I felt unusually compelled to purchase it. Looking back at that time, I think it was the crown already trying to influence me and lead me to a greater destiny. That or I thought it looked cool.

The shop keep sold it to me real cheap and I took it home. On the way I felt my eyes constantly drawn to the supposed replica. As if it was calling, whispering for my undivided attention.

I didn’t finally wear it till I was safe inside my apartment. The moment it touched my head the claws gripped tightly against my skull and my world went black as I felt myself drawn away from this existence and into the next. Then, in the deepest pit of darkness I saw… it…

My eyes darted open with a jolt as I looked around in a panic. When I realized I wasn’t in danger I began to calm down as I took in my surroundings. Wooden walls that seemed like the place had been carved out of a tree. Books upon books were neatly placed on shelves scattered throughout the place. I quickly realized I was inside of a library.

Fear gripped me momentarily as I realized where I was; Twilight’s home. That meant the Elements of Harmony were nearby which meant I could be in huge trouble!

I hopped up, finding myself sitting on a pillow I had been laid down on. A blanket fell off me as I noticed I was on top of a table as well. Looking over the situation, it became apparent that I wasn’t in danger and was merely taken in to recover from my injuries. This was a huge relief, meaning the girls had decided I had just been an innocent bystander that had suffered from Discord’s temporary escape.

Discord… that name was making my blood boil after he used me. Not to mention his mistreatment got me so weak that I was nearly killed by Pinkie Pie poking me to death. What kind of insulting way to die is that?! Though, I am a giant eyeball, so I suppose my greatest fear would be a large, sharp stick.

It seemed I was alone at the time which was unusual. I thought they would have been here to watch over me. I couldn’t help, but wonder where they could be.

After that very next thought the door to the library was covered in a pinkish aura as it swung open and the mane six started to pour in.

Well, there’s the Pony Power Rangers now…

“Aww man, that was great!” Rainbow Dash cheered as she flew in and past Twilight, flying laps around the library.

“Darn tootin!” Applejack said in her southern drawl as she came in next. “Real nice of the Princess to give us a ceremony to thank us like that.”

Rarity came in shortly after with Fluttershy slinking behind and Pinkie hopping along as Twilight shut the door behind them. “I have to agree, it was absolutely fabulous!” Rarity swooned as she looked skyward.

Ah, the Star Wars ending ceremony. That’s right… it happened right after Discord was defeated. They must have left me here to rest while they went to it.

Pinkie then started to chip in, “Yeah! It was all like drama. Then it was like epic congratulations. Then everypony was all cheering. Then came the credits and the theme music. Then everypony in the audience would clap and start to leave their seats. Then some would go to the bathroom while others would head out to go home. All the while they’d talk how awesome the movie was and how amazing the special effects were–“

I think everyone in the room stopped listening to Pinkie ramble out what seemed like mostly nonsense after that point. It was nice I got it. Was kind of like being part of an inside joke. Actually, it was exactly like that.

Twilight rolled her eyes at Pinkie’s antics. “Yes, I’m just glad everypony is safe and–“

She was suddenly cut off by a sharp gasp as everyone turned to look at Fluttershy. The buttermilk pegasi pointed with her hoof with her mouth open shouting, “Look!”

As everyone turned to see what she was pointing at, it took me a moment to realize her hoof was pointed towards me. I decided to play innocent and just cocked my head or rather my body in confusion.

Applejack gave off a long whistle. “Gee, that critter there sure recovered fast. Umm…” She squinted her eyes at me before asking, “Uh, is it me or does he… she… it look different now?”

Twilight rubbed her chin and nodded. “Yeah, looks less slimy than before. Silky smooth I’d say.”

At that comment I did my best to look over my body. Sure enough my dark matter had solidified into something more stable thanks to all the energy I had absorbed. Unfortunately I was still very weak thanks to Discord’s interference, forcing my body to use most of that energy to heal.

“I… umm… also don’t remember him having… umm–“

“Wait, how do you know it’s a he Flutters?” Rainbow Dash interrupted as she swooped down in front of said mare.

Fluttershy stuttered for a moment in her quiet voice, “W-w-well, it just seems like a he to me. I’m pretty sure he’s a he… I think.”

Gold star to Fluttershy for getting my correct gender!

“Gender aside dear, what were you about to say?” Rarity inquired.

“Oh! Well, I don’t remember him having ears before,” Fluttershy pointed out.

I blinked at that statement. Ears? I thought as one point of my odd long ears flicked. My eyes looked left and then right where out of the corner of them I could see what looked like a long rounded pointed horn protruding from my form on each side. At first I thought that wasn’t normal, but then I thought back to Magolor’s base form where he always had that hat on with two ear like points poking out of his head. I guess it was possible he had some ears hidden under there.

So, I suddenly had ears like a Pikachu. Yeah, that screamed frightening alright…

“Aww, how cute!” Pinkie shouted as she jumped out of nowhere from behind me and started to wiggle the pointed things with a giggle. They would flick involuntarily at her touch just adding all that much more to the cute factor.

I jumped away from the menace as quickly as I could. I was still mad at her for poking me from before, resulting in me passing out. I would have just kicked myself it that had been my final blow of defeat.

I began to hop away as Pinkie chased me around. Meanwhile, Twilight started to pull books out of shelves, scanning the titles before picking out more and laying out helpful ones to the side. She already had five books stacked before Rarity asked what she was doing, “Twilight what are you up to?”

Twilight turned back to regard her and the others for a moment. She paused before answering, watching me hop under legs to get away from Pinkie. “Well, I’ve never seen such a creature before so I thought I’d go through various encyclopedias’ to see what he, as Fluttershy insists, is.”

It was at that point I had somehow ended up in Fluttershy’s hooves as she gave Pinkie a glare that a mother would give a child. This made pink pony back off while splaying her ears back with a sheepish grin. I was happy to get away from the mare when Fluttershy started to massage my body. At first I was annoyed, but then it started to feel real nice so I closed my little eyes and purred a little.

Everyone thought it was weird, but paid it little mind and instead turned their attention to the door. A short purple dragon came walking in carrying some groceries. Spike waved to everyone with his free claw. “Okay, we’re now restocked,” he said mostly to Twilight as he walked over to the table and setting the brown bag of supplies down.

“Thanks Spike,” Twilight replied as she scrutinized over another book. “We’re just trying to figure out what our little friend over there is.” She motioned to me with a hoof, not bothering to look back.

Spike turned to see me and his eyes went wide. “Whoa… what is it?”

“That’s what we’re trying to figure out,” Fluttershy answered as she continued to massage what was basically the skin covering my large eye.

“Hey, maybe it’s some kind of alien?”

Everyone rolled their eyes while I had to stop myself from giggling at the fact that he was technically right.

Pinkie Pie however, decided to chip in. “Ooo, maybe he’s an alien sorcerer!”

“Yeah, his ship crash landed when Discord escaped and we have to collect the missing pieces!” Spike continued.

“Then he’ll thank us by offering to take us back to his home planet!” Pinkie added again as her and Spike got closer as they started to bounce off ideas.

“But then we get there and some giant four headed beast attacks and we have to go defeat it!”

“Oh, but it turns out that monster was guarding an ancient artifact and the little alien was using us to do the dirty work for him.”

“Then he uses it to become super evil and take over the universe!” Spike finished as him and Pinkie glared me down.

They both got into my face and shouted, “WE’RE ONTO YOU!”

I just backed up in shock on how dead on they were to Return to Dreamland’s plot, but it was Pinkie Pie after all and Spike did have a bit of an overactive imagination. I would have been worried if I didn’t already have a feeling about what was going to happen next.

Twilight growled in frustration and rubbed her temple. “Augh, please! Spike, no more comics for you and Pinkie, don’t encourage him!”

They both groaned as they backed off and gave me some distance. I totally saw that coming. Though, didn’t stop it from being a bit unnerving.

Twilight picked up the books she had selected and placed them on the table, “Now, if you want to help me figure out what he really is then grab a book and start researching.”

Rarity and Applejack trotted over to look through some, but Rainbow Dash on the other hand just yawned, “What do I look like, an egghead? I’ll let you guys take care of the brain work.” This comment earned her an annoyed glare from Twilight, but it went unnoticed.

One wasted hour later…

I had to control myself from chuckling as twilight slammed her head against a book in frustration. Even AJ and Rarity weren’t having any more luck.

“Nothing! How can there be nothing? Is he some kind of new undiscovered species?” Twilights eyes went wide with that thought and before I knew it she was right up in my face with a grin I was not too fond of. “A new undiscovered creature. I could publish a book about it for such a discovery!”

“Umm, that’s nice Twilight, but could you maybe stop staring out our friend like a hungry timberwolf? I think it’s making him nervous,” Fluttershy said calmly. She was now my favorite pony in the room.

Twilight blushed and smiled sheepishly. “Sorry, got carried away there for a second. Still, I really need to study him some more.”

Fluttershy nodded. “I’m sure you’ll have plenty of chances, but maybe you should let the little guy rest first. He’s had a really long day I think.” Fluttershy patted my head, but then she noticed something odd with each pat. She lifted her hoof off of me, causing some black ooze to trail behind. She just blinked at it in confusion, but I could tell it was the remnants of the liquid dark matter from before I had more fully formed.

Twilight’s eyes widened to the size of dinner plates and she rushed off to her room only to teleport back to us second later with a test tube in her magic. She carefully held it up to catch as much of the liquid as she could. She was able to get about a fifth of the tube filled before she sealed it.

She hummed, twirling the pitch black dark matter inside as Rainbow floated over with the others to get a better look. Rainbow cocked her head and asked, “So… what is it?”

“It’s… umm… I’m not sure,” Twilight admitted as she kept staring at it. “I’m going to have to run some tests when I get a chance.”

There was a loud yawn from Applejack at that. “Well that there is good and all, but this cowpony needs to hit the hay. Those apple trees ain’t gonna buck themselves.” She made a leave for the door as she began to head out.

“Yeah, I got weather duty in the morning. Discord really messed up the weather’s schedule and it’s gonna be up to me to get it back in order,” Rainbow added with a slight groan and started to leave with Applejack.

“I’m gonna miss all those chocolate raining cotton candy clouds,” Pinkie said as she started to heavily salivate, causing drool to pour all over the floor.

Rarity grimaced and cleared her throat at the sight. “Pinkie, maybe you should head back to the cakes. I’m sure you’ll have a lot work to do in the morning as well.”

Pinkie gasped with huge breath that seemed to drain all the air out of the room. “OHMIGOSH you’re right! I gotta get the party ready!” Like lightning she was out the door with a heavy gust of wind.

Rarity looked at me for a moment with a hum before a smile crept onto her face as she reached into her saddlebags to pull out a tape measure. She then took the thing and wrapped it around my waist and then my ears followed by getting a few other minor measurements, much to my annoyance.

“Umm, what are you doing?” Fluttershy asked, asking everyone’s thoughts, including my own.

“Oh, well some ponies like to dress up their pets in outfits and I was thinking if this is a new species there isn’t going to be anypony offering any sort of clothing option. So, I just thought I might try and corner that little market while making this adorable guy even cuter!” Rarity had started to use baby talk towards the end while speaking at me and even pinching my cheek with her magic. I think I saw Spike give me the stink eye for that little bit of attention.

Frankly, I was a bit annoyed and insulted. Not just for the baby talk, but also that Rarity might turn me into her personal dress up doll. There was no way I was going to put up with her dressing–

That line of thought receded when I had a brilliant idea. Or rather, what would be Rarity’s brilliant idea. I still had some of my powers to make suggestions to others. So, I just implanted a little image into Rarity’s head.

The fashionetta gasped as her eyes twinkled. “Oh my stars, I’ve been struck with inspiration. I must get started right away! If you will please excuse me girls I have a grand ensemble to make. Ta-ta!” With that Rarity trotted right out while flicking her mane dramatically.

Twilight just sighed with a small smile while shaking her head. She returned her attention to me and then stated out loud, “Well, guess we need to figure out where you’re staying. Personally, I’d like you to stay here…”

Yes, I can spy on you and figure out how to disable you and the rest of the elements!

“…so I can keep an eye on you, watch your every move, and perform a few experiments!” Twilight finished with a less than sane grin.

I backed up away from the obviously deranged mare and closer into Fluttershy’s embrace. Never mind, I want the walking doormat instead!

Fluttershy was obviously aware of my discomfort. “Twilight, I think maybe… umm… he should stay with me. I-I-If that’s okay with you, that is.”

Twilight blinked and started to see how fearful I was of her. She blushed and giggled. “Oh… yeah. Maybe you’d have more luck with him. I can just study this to see what I can figure out,” she said, motioning to the vial of dark matter.

Fluttershy lifted me up and placed me on her back while smiling at me then nodded to Twilight. “Well, I should really head home and get this poor little guy settled in. I also still need to feed Angel. Oh dear, I hope he’s not upset.”

The two mares said their goodbyes and Fluttershy gave Spike a little pat on the head before we both went out into Ponyville. The sun was beginning to set and it wouldn’t be long before nightfall.

To my surprise, Fluttershy’s cottage was very clean. I had half expected the place to smell like a pet store. However, it seemed the mare took great care not just of the animals, but also her home so guests would feel just as comfortable as her animals did when staying. Not that I expected her to have guests all that often.

When we had arrived, there to greet us was Satan… sorry I mean Angel. That little fluffy hell spawn was an absolute pain. The rabbit constantly bossed Fluttershy around and he had no love for me either. The poor mare had to feed him before she could even take care of me, thus she just set me on the couch while she fed the little demon.

After the bossy bunny had finally been appeased, Fluttershy left the room for a moment, only to come back with an animal size wooden tub filled with warm water. I peered curiously at it and didn’t have much time to ponder about it when the shy mare picked me up with a cheerful smile. “Ups-a-daisy!”

I soon realized that Fluttershy thought of me as a child just like Rarity. I half glared out into space in frustration at this constant degradation of my being that I was forced to deal with.

She placed me in the tub and I let off what was close to a sigh at how nice the water felt. When Fluttershy started to brush me with soap and water though, I started to let off a pleased purr. She may treat me like a baby, but if she kept up these wonderful spa-like pleasures, then I could probably get used to this. At least until I recovered my power. Though, I could get behind having a personal masseuse.

Fluttershy hummed a little tune as she scrubbed every corner of me before washing me off. I noticed that more of the tar looking dark matter was washed off, but I still retained my black surface. It was the last of the stuff that was left over from before I had reformed. It did make me worry about the sample Twilight got, but I doubt she would be able to make any connections. It was a substance unknown to this world after all.

I was finally taken out of my bath and dried off by Fluttershy, removing the last of the goo. I felt a lot better actually, it was always nice to get cleaned up and now I could start scheming on what to do next.

As Fluttershy cleaned up the mess and took the tub away, I was unexpectedly poked by a pesky fur ball. I turned around to peer down at Angel, the little rabbit giving me a glare while tapping his oversized foot impatiently. He made a little signal of pointing at his eyes and then at me. He was very keen on making it obvious that he didn’t like me at all. It was adorable that he thought he could just boss me around as easily as Fluttershy.

Seeing that he was eager to make an enemy out of me and the fact I had dealt with so much crap today I thought now would be a good time to vent a little frustration. So, I began to smile.

Angel just looked confused at my reaction. He didn’t think he would get a smile out of me or that I even had a mouth. Well, I sort of didn’t. It was as I opened my so called mouth wider that Angel quickly began to realize it wasn’t a mouth at all. It was an eyelid.

My red eye stared at the rabbit, while my mouth looked like a smile, but the way it held my giant eye made it look more like I was glaring menacingly at the bunny. The look on his face was… priceless.

That rabbits ears fell and his mouth dropped as his eyes widened in terror. Angel began to back pedal so fast that if he had gone faster I’d dare say he would have created a new door for Fluttershy’s home.

I just continued my death glare as Angel had a mini heart attack while keeping his back against the wall. I then started to hop toward him, slowly, savoring the fear that flowed out of him like fine wine. I never took my eye off him as I kept getting closer and closer.

“There we go, all done!” Fluttershy announced as she flapped back into the room.

I immediately shut my large eye making my mouth disappear as I turned to her using my eyes to give an emoticon like cheerful face. Angel however, scrambled over to Fluttershy and started to squeak out what sounded like a bunch of nonsense to me, but I started to worry when Fluttershy gasped.

“A red eye?!” Fluttershy shot over to me and started to look me over. “Oh, you poor thing! Are you hurt? Are you bleeding? Is your eye infected?” Fluttershy’s misunderstanding of what Angel said made the bunny face palm.

A few more passes over me and Fluttershy sighed with relief. “Angel, he’s fine. Please don’t scare mommy like that. You must be getting tired so, I think it’s time for you to head to bed. It’s beginning to get late.”

The rabbit started to try and explain again, but Fluttershy had stopped listening and returned her attention to me. “Now little one, would you like something to eat? Oh!” she exclaimed as she noticed that I had gotten on the couch and shut my eyes in an attempt to sleep.

She fawned over how cute I looked and smiled to herself. “Well, I guess you’re still tired. We can get you something to eat in the morning. Good night!” She patted me on the head a few times as she flew upstairs.

Angel watched her leave before he turned back to me to stare at my sleeping form, but he jolted when I opened my big eye again. I looked at the frightened rabbit as I chuckled. “Best not say anything little bunny,” I started, but paused only to regard how weak and cute my voice sounded as well before I continued, “If you say too much, bad things might start to happen… kehehehe…”

I shut my, seeing Angel gulp just as I closed it. The rabbit was quick to scurry off and sleep upstairs where he thought he would be safe with Fluttershy. I giggled one last time as I drifted off to sleep. I was going to have fun with him…

Author's Note

There we go, another chapter! If you're wondering what Magolor's voice sounds like, think of Vivi from Kingdom Hearts 2.

I believe I've decided on a name that the mane six will decide to give him since he'll avoid talking around them.

Interlude 1: Last Remnant

C-R-O-W-N-E-D S-O-U-L
By: Mordy

Interlude 1: Last Remnant

Celestia was upon her balcony and began to set her sun as Luna stood next to her and let her moon take the sky. After the blazing ball fell over the horizon, Celestia looked down at the gardens where Discord’s statue had been before they moved him to a more secure location. She let off a heavy burdened sigh as her thoughts began to race to more troubling things. This did not go unnoticed by Luna.

“Sister,” Luna inquired, “What tis the matter?”

Celestia smiled softly at Luna, both of their manes blowing in the non-existent wind as they regarded one another. “It’s nothing; just…” she paused for a moment to collect her thoughts as she sighed again. “I am just worried that if Discord could escape because of the elements being transferred to Twilight and her friends, is it possible that something else could as well?”

Luna pondered the idea for, but a moment before she answered, “We could see that possibility. But it does naught to burden thyself with such thoughts without proof to back it up.”

At first, Celestia smiled at Luna’s archaic use of the old tongue, but she quickly grimaced when she knew she had reason to be concerned. “Luna…” she began. “Do you recall the one called Magolor?”

Her sister growled with disgust at the name. “Ai, how could we forget that horrendous fiend who had bested us with such ease?” Luna then saw where Celestia was going with this. “Sister, surely thou would think not that monster could return? Even if it were to recover from the elements, it was banished within another realm. Most likely it shall be forever trapped there or even destroyed when the door closed.”

Luna was unnerved when Celestia frowned at her. “Please, come with me sister. I wish to show you something.” Celestia then began to walk away slowly, Luna staying close behind her.

It was about five minutes before they approached one of the royal vaults containing valuable heirlooms and other treasures that were highly regarded. The two night guards that had changed shift with their daylight counterparts saluted to the princesses as they approached. Their eyes remained unwavering as the doors seal was undone by Celestia and both her and her sister trotted in. The door shut behind them as they entered.

Everything inside the vaults wasn’t as flashy as some would expect. It wasn’t gold or anything of the sort. It was artifacts or works of art, either holding sentimental value or was significant in other ways such as being made by a long dead artist or had belonged to a great individual.

Celestia weaved her way between pedestals that held some of these items aloft, as her sister came in tow. She led them to a darkened corner where a door was tightly shut and sealed.

This one took more time to open and although it looked insignificant, it was made that way on purpose as a deterrent. This room held things that were best left forgotten; objects that should never see the light of day, documents of some of history’s darkest secrets, and things that the common citizen should never know.

The room was dark, dank, and dusty. Even with the light that poured into the room when Celestia opened the door, it almost seemed like the light was unwilling to enter.

The two walked in silently as Celestia led them onward. Luna glanced at some of the items and her ears splayed back when she saw old books with titles regarding Nightmare Moon. They obviously most likely demonized her and painted her as something far worse than she really was. Celestia had banned them from the public and burned most of the copies. She was unwilling to tolerate such opinions of her dearest sister.

They finally reached the end of their journey; in the corner of the room was a sheet of royal purple that had long since faded with age, covering a glass case which was revealed when Celestia removed the cloth. Within it was a plain looking box.

Without opening the casing, Celestia lifted the boxes lid with her magic. Within was what looked like a golden three pronged dragon claw with one of talons broken off. It looked seemingly insignificant to Luna.

“Umm… and this is…?”

Celestia barely acknowledged her. “It may not look the same, but if you recall the dark crown that rested on Magolor’s brow, you will see some similarities. Should you also feel out with your magic you might sense a bit of his power still lingering on it.”

Luna’s eyes widened at this and asked the obvious question, “Sister, where did you find this?!”

Celestia took in a deep breath as she answered, “Sometime after your… leave of absence,” she said choosing her words carefully as she went on, “But before Canterlot had been founded, I discovered it at the base of this very mountain. The ground it laid upon had died and withered while the air was thick with a sickening miasma. I carefully sealed it up and I have kept it safely stored away. Thankfully its remnant power has waned over the years.”

Luna nodded at this and Celestia smiled at her only to become sad again a moment later. “Unfortunately, this is not the whole crown and I only discovered it through sheer luck. I worry if the other pieces are still lying dormant throughout Equestria and…” she looked seriously at Luna as she spoke her next words, “…if he could have returned with them.”

Luna swallowed and shifted nervously. “We can see your concern then. Perhaps we should seek out the other parts–“

“No,” Celestia said sternly to her, causing the mare to look at her in confusion. She quickly explained herself, “It’s obvious he gained some power from his crown. Should we gather the remnants we would only make it easier for him to regain that power. Who’s to say that bringing the pieces together wouldn’t hasten his return? Should we by chance find another piece of his crown I think it would be best if we kept it as far away from the others as possible. Put them somewhere where nopony could ever hope to reach them. For now, letting them remain lost is probably for the best.”

“We see. Yes, you’re right. Tis better for them to be scattered than to allow him to conveniently know where they are,” Luna agreed as Celestia closed the lid holding the remnant of the crown. Had either of them looked down as the lid fell, they would have noticed one of the talons twitching slightly…

Author's Note

Originally, I was making this the opening of chapter 4, but then I thought it would be better as an interlude since I was having trouble figuring out how I would transition from third person to second person and thought this will help tide you over till I do chapter 4.

Ch. 4 Looking the Part

C-R-O-W-N-E-D S-O-U-L
By: Mordy

Ch. 4 Looking the Part

Every once in a while I have this dream. A very strange one that feels kind of surreal. It isn’t a nightmare, but it isn’t exactly pleasant either. It always makes me wonder, but it gives me a headache just thinking about it, so I don’t.

It always starts off the same, at least from what I can remember. I stand in complete and total darkness. An endless abyss without a beginning or end. Yet I am not alone.

I’m staring up at someone… or something. I can never remember what unfortunately. Whatever it is, it speaks to me. We talk to one another, yet no words are spoken. A silent conversation only heard between the two of us.

Terrifying emotions grip at my being. Ones I cannot understand or handle, yet the other presence calms me. It feels as if I don’t avert my gaze, it shall always protect me. Therefore I look onward, free of emotions that would do me more harm than good. The pain just… fades away…

I woke up with a jerk. I looked around with a slight blurry eyed panic before I calmed down and remembered where I was. Humming slowly filled the air as I noticed Fluttershy was setting up breakfast for her and angel bunny. A third spot was also being placed for what I assumed to be for me.

Fluttershy had already taken care of her chores and could now focus solely on me… oh, and the little fur ball. I would need to keep an eye on Angel. He might cause me some annoyance if he keeps trying to tell Flutters about my other eye.

With a shake of my body and a few hops I was able to get over to the table. My final two jumps were onto the chair then the table. I had to resist the urge to start laughing boisterously when I saw Angel in a booster seat, holding a fork and a knife. It came out as a few muffled snickers, earning me an annoyed glare from the rabbit.

“Good morning friend!” Fluttershy sang out as she set out Angel’s food first, a salad with many various greens and vegetables. Unfortunately, the little bunny looked at it with disdain and pushed it away.

Ugh… spoiled little…

Fluttershy the doormat just looked down sadly. “Oh no, what’s wrong Angel?”

I wasn’t going to put up with that rabbit throwing a hissy fit. So, while Fluttershy was focusing on the Angel I opened my large eye in a menacing glare letting that little pile of fluff that I wasn’t going to tolerate his insubordination.

It had the desire effect as the rabbit swallowed with fear and began to eat his food. This made Fluttershy happy as she turned her attention to me. Of course, by the time she looked at me I had my eye closed and just looked cheerfully at her with my two white ones.

The mare smiled back and proceeded to bring over my own salad and glass of orange juice with a bendy straw in it. She patted me on the head and said, “Okay, now you can eat up to regain your strength.” She paused for a moment and blinked at me. “Umm… how… do you eat?”

Fluttershy was in the middle of asking that question when I went up to the glass of orange juice and placed the straw against me, just below my eyes. Suddenly the liquid was sucked up and into my being, disappearing into the abyss of my body. This just earned me a bunch of blank stares from both Fluttershy and Angel.

I quickly drained the juice dry and upon finishing I belched, causing my body to vibrate and ripple for a moment as I made a cheerful noise. I looked at the two and noticed their confused stares and made a giggling sound, resulting in even more confusion.

“Uh… excuse you?” Fluttershy managed to say as she found her words.

I decided to go for broke and dove into my salad at where my mouth would have been, devouring my meal in the process. Each bite was like eating with an invisible maw. The leaves and vegetables disappeared into nothingness with each unseen nibble.

“Oh my, you are an interesting one…” she commented as she watched on in fascination.

After breakfast, we left Fluttershy’s home with me sitting on the pegsi’s back and Angel holding onto her head. The bunny kept his eyes on me and I guessed he only wanted to go so he could protect Fluttershy if I tried anything. Not that I could really do anything in my current condition. I was still recovering, but I was far better off than I had initially been.

As Fluttershy walked slowly through the streets of Ponyville she would hide herself behind her mane as we got odd stares. It was just her being shy, but everyone was really just staring at me. I was something they obviously hadn’t seen before which came as no surprise. However, once they got their fill of me they turned back to whatever mundane task they had been doing.

It was about ten minutes or so before we approached the town’s library again where Applejack and Rainbow Dash were already on their way there. It was getting closer to noon so I assumed AJ had finished her apple bucking early and Dash… well dash might have been slacking off or had finished her weather duty in ten seconds flat.

“Oh, hey girls. I wasn’t expecting you here already,” Fluttershy said in her usual quiet voice.

“Yeah, we were wondering if Twi managed to figure anything about… Hey, what’s he doing with you?” Dash asked as she pointed at me with her cyan hoof.

Applejack tipped her hat up. “I was wonderin that too. I thought Twilight was mighty curious about learnin more about that critter?”

“Oh, I just thought he would be better off staying with me for a little while. Isn’t that right?” She turned to me and petted me with her hoof while cooing as Angel glared enviously at me.

Fluttershy then walked up to the library and knocked on the door. “I also came back to see if Twilight learned anymore about our friend from that sample she got.” The library door opened and everyone cringed.

Twilight’s hair was a wreck and she had a nasty twitch in her eye. It looked like she hadn’t slept at all and everyone was hesitant to enter the library when she silently motioned for us to enter. We begrudgingly did so against our better judgment.

The library practically reflected Twilight at that moment. Books were strewn everywhere along with pages upon pages of notes. It was like a tornado had passed through followed by a hurricane then a stampede for good measure.

“So… how’d your research go?” Rainbow Dash asked sheepishly as she rubbed the back of her head.

Twilight stared at Rainbow Dash for a moment making the mare wilt under her gaze. Then the death glare turned to me and I shivered, causing Fluttershy to wrap me protectively in her hooves and wings.

Twilights twitch returned and she gritted her teeth. “I was up all night. I looked through every possibility and I found NOTHING! I ended up with even more questions than I started with!”

Hey, don’t blame me!

“Nothing at all?” AJ stupidly asked, causing Twilight’s annoyance to turn to her instead. This made the earth pony back up a bit in defense.

Twilight kinetically brought over the vial of dark matter over with her magic and she held it up. “I can’t fathom what this stuff is. I tried to look at it from every angle and I couldn’t see anything. It’s literally like looking into nothing! I tried to use a microscope and I couldn’t see jack. The only thing I learned is that the stuff can’t reflect light. In fact it’s like any light that shines onto it just… disappears!”

“Is that why you had that light show last night?” a tired Spike asked as he descended down the stairs, dragging his feet with each step while scratching his belly.

“Well… yeah. No matter how bright or powerful the light was it wouldn’t illuminate the substance. I’ve never seen an element like it and I can’t even examine it!” Twilight fumed.

Yeah, that’s dark matter for you. Even the most advance scientist of my time struggled to try and prove its existence. Heck, this stuff is from another universe entirely. Probably doesn’t even follow the same rules as mine.

Rainbow Dash floated to the ground. “So, where does that leave us?” she asked as the others trotted closer to me and Fluttershy.

Twilight hummed for a moment. “I suppose I’ll have to examine him a little closer. Maybe perform a few little experiments to see if his… skin? Yeah, I’ll go with skin. To see if his skin holds the same properties as that liquid.”

What’s she gonna do? Strap me down and shine a bunch of intense lights at me?

As I lay strapped down to a table in the library’s basement with a bunch of magically enhanced super crystals ready to shine down upon me, I couldn’t help, but wonder if this was somehow my fault. Sure, I had thought of the idea, but I never spoke it out loud. It felt as though the universe had decided to have some fun at my own expense. Note to self, get back at the universe.

I wasn’t paying attention when some slick shades were placed over me, covering my eyes and making the room a little darker. I looked off to the side to see RD gliding back to the group who were waiting patiently for the experiment to begin.

“Oh, good idea Rainbow! Wouldn’t want his precious eyes to get hurt,” Fluttershy swooned as she fawned over how adorable I looked in the shades. Angel just showed his back to me while sticking his nose up.

Rainbow looked confused for a moment. “Oh… I thought he would just look cool in them.” The response earned an eye roll from me and Applejack.

Twilight trotted over with some crazy looking safety goggles that had their lenses tinted green. “Okay girls, please put these on,” she requested as she magic them over to the other mares and bunny.

Each of them slipped the contraptions on and AJ had to ask, “Uh… are you sure this is safe?”

“Absolutely!” Twilight said reassuringly as she and Spike slipped into what looked like biohazard suits. We all just stared at them, my eyes being the widest.

What the hell is she about to do me?!

Twilight noticed our stunned faces and she waved a hoof dismissively as she got herself in place. “Really, nothing to worry about… although you might want to stand behind that,” she stated, pointing to a metal wall with a little window in it to peer through.

The girls glanced at each other for a moment before they made a dive behind the construct. I did not like where this was going at all and hated that they were letting Twilight go through with this. Could be worse I suppose.

“If you girls start tasting purple, don’t be alarmed. Though, you might want to see a doctor. Just in case,” Twilight suggested while smiling sheepishly. This just earned her some fearful stares.

Twilight trotted over to check the straps on me one last time before she started to speak, “Okay, you might feel a little bit of pain… all of you,” she rectified, telling the others as one of my eyes began to twitch from the madness of this situation.

“Umm… Twilight,” Fluttershy began. “I’m starting to have second doubts about this.”

“Too late!” Twilight activated the lights and I instinctively shut my eyes as the light show began.

There were a few gasps and I wondered what they were seeing that was so interesting. What they saw was just a blackened void that outlined my shape. The lights were extremely intense, but no matter how bright they got, they could not illuminate me. My being was able to completely block off the light and create pitch black shadows that were only slightly less dark from the stray strands of light that did not hit me.

Twilight turned the lights off and wrote some notes down. “Well, we can definitely say that the stuff came from him, but I’m not any closer to learning about what he is.” She pondered for a moment as she came up to me and tentatively touched me with her hoof. “Not even slightly warm…” she muttered.

Fluttershy was quick to get me out of my bindings as she held and rubbed me. “I think that would be enough experimentation for now.”

“But... we have just begun!” Twilight started, but she wilted under Fluttershy’s determined gaze. Twilight hung her head in defeat. “I suppose that will suffice for now.”

Fluttershy smiled and carried me back upstairs with everyone else following. I was now super glad I ended up with the animal lover instead of that mad scientist. I’d have to find a way to get back at Twilight for that little treatment later.

I was set down on the nearby table as Twilight let out an exasperated sigh. “Guess we’re no closer to figuring out what he is.”

“I still say he’s an alien,” Spike quipped.

Everyone rolled their eyes and Applejack chuckled. “Twi’s right sugarcube, you do need to cut back on them comics.”

Twilight smiled at AJ and then grinned as Spike. “Tell you what, if it turns out he is an alien, I’ll buy you a year’s supply of gems.”

Spike’s eyes went wide and he licked his maw. “I’m holding you to that!”

And I will make sure she regrets it!

There was a sudden knock on the door and before anyone could even answer it, Rarity barged in while humming. She carried a few bags with her magic and quickly trotted over to me and set them aside.

“Oh, this is going to look splendid on you!” Rarity announced in a sing song voice as she nosed through her bags.

Didn’t take anyone long to figure out what the mare was up to. “Oh great, you’re gonna dress him up in some lame outfit?” Dash groaned and Rarity huffed at the mare while she stuck her nose up indignantly.

Twilight didn’t want to get in the middle of this, but Applejack was quickly drawn in. “I have to agree with Rainbow on this one. I’m not sure dressing him up is the best thing to do.”

As long as she stuck to the same color scheme and my specifications, I won’t complain.

“Oh, I’m sure whatever you made will look wonderful,” Fluttershy complimented while backing away a bit to make some room for Rarity and me.

One love sick dragon spoke next. “Anything Rarity makes looks great,” Spike said with heart shaped eyes that only looked at the marshmallow mare.

“Thank you Fluttershy, Spike. At least somepony has faith in me!” The generous mare shared a very generous scowl at AJ and Rainbow Dash.

There was suddenly a blur of fabric as I became a living mannequin for the mare. I quickly became dizzy as I was told to hold still and was dressed expertly by Rarity and her dazzling display of artistic magic. The room was still spinning when the mare finished and collective gasp was heard as they saw my new attire.

I was now clad in a regal blue suit that came with a white cape with gold trimmings with a little pit of purple. There were gold-trimmed cog designs and it came with a white scarf that had a blue buckle woven within. I was now the spitting image of Magolor in his original form. The only difference was I had pitch black skin with white eyes and I was missing my gloves. Overall, I was very satisfied and quite comfy to boot!

Much to everyone’s greater surprise was when Rarity actually pulled out the missing set of white gloves. Twilight just shook her head as Rarity set them next to me. “Rarity, as wonderful as the clothes are, why did you make mittens to go with them?” Rarity rarely made hand wear, but it was usually for customers of other species, even if they were uncommon.

“I’m not entirely sure darling. Somehow the whole attire felt incomplete without them.” Rarity pouted as she looked at my gloves and then back to Twilight.

Twilight focused on Rarity and face hooved. “I don’t even… why even give them to him in the first place? Not like he’s going to magically be able to–“ her words died in her mouth as she pointed to me and her jaw unhinged.

My gloves were now floating next to me, acting as fully functioning hands as I practiced gripping them. They felt similar to my old soul form hands, minus having five digits and claws. However, it was nice to have a functioning floating appendage again. When I noticed the shock looks on all the mares faces, I simply waved at them.

“What the… how many more secrets do you have?!” Twilight fumed and turned around muttering angrily to herself.

Oh Twilight, if only you knew…

After muttering something about me being comparable to a rubuck's cube she then grumbled, “Next thing we know he’ll start floating around!”

As soon as she said that, like the good evil little troll I was, I began to use some of more fair reserves of magic to float over to the distraught mare and pat her lightly on the back. More jaws dropped and I eagerly awaited for Twilight’s response.

Twilight stared half lidded at the wall and deadpanned, “He’s floating right now isn’t he?”

“Eyup,” AJ said in her best Big Mac imitation.

Twilight screamed and started pulling at her hair. I was going to drive her mad at this rate. “Oh come on! This is getting ridiculous!”

“I’m telling you, he’s an alien,” Spike suggested again while reading one of his comics that more than likely had an aliens in it.

“Alien wizard I say!”

Twilight and I jumped into each other’s arms or in her case forelegs, at the sudden appearance of Pinkie Pie who was now right next to us. We weren’t the only ones who hadn’t spotted her entrance.

“Pinkie dear, when did you get here?” Rarity inquired when she finally noticed the pink menace.

Twilight let go of me as Pinkie started to poke me lightly. “Just now!” she giggled as she said that. I started to lightly push her hoof away every time she tried to do another poking deathblow, but it hardly deterred her. It was a few seconds before she stopped and started to bounce. “Oh hey girls, have you gals named him yet?”

“Oh my, we haven’t even given him a name!” Fluttershy said with a squeak.

“How about Shade?!” Dash suggested as she lazily floated around.

“As if,” Rarity sniffed as she waved her hoof dismissively. “I think something like Onyx would be more suiting for such rare black gem as he is!”

What am I, a Pokémon?

…

Don’t answer that.

All of them started to throw out names and I quickly realized that if I didn’t want to end up with something that would make me cringe every time I hear it, I would need to implant a name inside their heads that would befit me.

“Ooo, let’s call him Kirby!” Pinkie shouted excitedly.

And I best do it fast!

It was a few more rounds of the name game before I decided on a one that I’d like. I was about to toss it into their heads when Pinkie started to jump up raising and flailing her hoof like she was a student in class.

Twilight pointed to her. “Yes Pinkie?”

“Why not Yami?”

The girls looked at her blankly and Applejack asked, “What made you think of an odd name like that?”

“Cause that’s what Yami here wanted it to be, silly!” Pinkie pointed at me while patting me on the head. What scared me was that was the very name I was going to put into each of their heads. I may know that Pinkie broke the fourth wall sometimes, but that didn’t mean I knew how she did it and to what limits there were.

Fluttershy trotted over to me. “Well little one, would you like your name to be Yami?”

I was still reeling in from Pinkie suggesting the name, but I shook it off and held up one of my floating glove hands to give the thumbs up sign. Fluttershy smiled and it was settled. Yami would be my name… at least until I was ready to reveal myself and I eagerly looked forward to that day!

Author's Note

And another chapter of fun! I had thought about throwing in a part where Pinkie throws a surprise party, but felt it wouldn't add much besides a joke of her already having a banner with his name on even though they had just named him.

Next chapter will be Lesson Zero episode. I may switch focus to other stories I've been neglecting though.

Ch. 5 Lesson 0²

C-R-O-W-N-E-D S-O-U-L
By: Mordy

Ch. 5 Lesson 0²

It had been over a week since my arrival. I was steadily recovering to a point where I could make my first move. While I didn’t know where my crown was, I knew a good place to start; the Castle of the Two Pony Sisters. The journey there may have been short, but with it being in the Everfree forest it would best if I took the side of caution and wait untill I had enough strength to either fend for myself, scare the local fauna, or run away like a chicken with its head cut off. Till then, I simply needed to bide my time.

Luckily, Ponyville had a way of keeping me entertained. Not that there was a very high bar for me. When you’re stuck as a crystal for as long as I have been, even the most mundane of things became quite exciting. Now that I was able to move on my own I would just wander around town to take in the sights. Unfortunately, there were a few factors that hindered me from starting up my own fun and havoc.

First was Fluttershy. The poor mare hardly wanted me out of her sight. She was a bit overbearing at times and it took a few days before she was okay with me wandering off on my own. That didn’t stop Angel from following me though. He may not be able to prove I had an evil eye, but if he caught me doing something he might be able to get me in trouble. Thankfully he started to leave me be so he could stay near Fluttershy and not worry about her. Sadly, that’s when the most annoying reason came up; Twilight.

Twilight was very well known for loving research. She once made a research paper about researching. I wish I was kidding about that. Anyway, when she went into research mode you best pray to whatever deity you believed in that you weren’t the subject of interest. That mare trailed and tracked me non-stop trying to learn whatever she could. She learned nothing of value, but that didn’t stop her from taking ludicrous notes. I spent one of my days just sitting on a bench doing nothing, but staring out into space. I had hoped Twilight would get bored, but she started mumbling something about it being a possible defense mechanism or the maybe some form of restoration similar to photosynthesis. She was pretty much grasping at straws at that point. Luckily other important matters such as studying came up and that put her research on hold.

Currently I was out with Fluttershy and the others for a get together picnic. I was just drinking some apple juice through a straw because orange juice would offend Applejack. I did this as the others chatted up while Rarity was being a drama queen and fainting onto a couch she brought with her. The only pony missing at the moment was Twilight. It was a bit odd that she was late out of all of them.

However, I wasn’t really caring with all the harassment she had been giving me. Besides, I was still thinking back to the massage Flutters had given to a bear earlier. That had been something interesting to see.

It was then that Twilight arrived with hair that looked like it hadn’t been brushed in ages. I took one glance at her freaky smile and then I noticed the madness that filled her eyes. I quickly realized something; today was her Lesson Zero episode.

As the crazy horse started to explain her situation about being late for a friendship report only to get brushed off and laughed at by her friends, I knew this wasn’t right. I could not in good conscience just sit here at this picnic with my juice and ignore this problem when I knew what was coming ahead. I had to do something about this…

With a quick flick I set up a lawn chair and then plopped right into it. I put on the shades Rainbow Dash had given me while I grabbed a large bucket of popcorn and a large soda. I currently overlooked from the top of a hill at three familiar fillies that had yet to get their cutie marks that were playing with a ball.

There was no way I would just hang out with the others and have a picnic when I could get a front row seat and watch Twilight’s madness unfold. This was too good of an opportunity to pass up. Discord would be so jealous right now if he knew.

I started to stuff my face with popcorn while taking sips of my soda. I looked to and fro in attempt to spot Twilight. Where was the mad mare anyway? Show couldn’t start without her.

A shadow then hovered over me and I looked up to see Twilight’s mad grinning face looking down at me. It was apparent her insanity levels had kicked up a few notches since her arrival at the picnic. I merely blinked at her and wondered why she was looking at me like that.

Twilight held up her ugly smarty pants doll and for a moment she seemed a bit saner as she considered the doll then looked back at me. She pondered as she kept looking between the two of us. Suddenly she kept her gaze on me as her insane grin returned.

Twilight… why are you looking at me like that?

I felt myself being picked up by her magic, making me drop my snacks and shades.

No Twilight put the demonic eye down!

She started to sneak through the bushes with me in tow.

Put me down Twilight! I don’t like where this is going!

We suddenly teleported inside the ball the Cutie Mark Crusaders had been playing with, making it pop as Twilight said with a creepy smile, “Hi girls!”

Run foals, run!

As Twilight stalked the three fillies with me being pulled along behind her I did my best to try and get away, but Twilight’s magic was too strong for me to escape.

I was quickly introduced to the CMC by Twilight. “This here is Yami!” I had already run across them before and they thought I was cool, but they obviously saw my discomfort and my eyes pleading for them to get away.

Twilight tried to subtly make me a rift between the three fillies, but failed spectacularly and I was relieved to see them try to put a little distance between themselves and Twilight. Of course I was mostly worried about me.

They were all hesitant to play with me at that moment and kept pushing one another to play first. Had it not been forced on by Twilight they all might have actually fought over who got to play with me first if they didn’t know how to share me that is.

I then noticed Twilight was casting a spell on me and I realized in horror it was the Want It, Need It spell. I pointed threateningly at Twilight. Know this Twilight, if you strike me down I will come back far more powerful than you can possibly imagine! I wouldn’t be a good final boss otherwise. That would have meant more if I had actually said it out loud.

I could only watch in horror as the spell took effect and I was dropped to the ground and the three fillies looked on at me longingly. This would not end well…

Whenever I get my powers back, I was going to cast the Want It, Need It spell on Twilight then throw her into a pit filled with monsters or bronies. Either way she would be torn apart. This was the only thought that brought me joy as I was being chased down by a bunch of ponies.

It had started out simple, I ran/floated away from the CMC only to run into Big Mac. He immediately started to give chase as well and managed to herd me into a bunch of other ponies. Those ponies forced me to run into more ponies and it pretty much snowballed from there.

Gliding across the ground didn’t use much energy, but it didn’t do anything about my current stress levels. I had a stampede behind me and if I wasn’t careful I’d probably be crushed to death or, god forbid, hugged to death.

I really wish I had been watching where I was going, because I turned the corner around a house and found myself in the marketplace. It was easily filled with a quarter of Ponyville’s population. I hated my life so much at that point.

I did the stupid thing and ran straight through, dodging and weaving through stands, ponies, and anything else that saw fit to get in my way. I would have made Rainbow Dash’s jaw drop if she had seen my acrobatics.

The stupidity of this action became apparent as I realized I had just put myself deeper into Ponyville where there was even more ponies. It got so ridiculous with the chase that some ponies weren’t even affected by the spell and were simply following because of the herd mentality. I would have knocked some sense into them if I wasn’t fleeing for my very life.

Running out of places to go, I saw one possible salvation; the Everfree Forest. If the place was truly as dangerous as they say, it might just scare off some of the herd. If they still followed me in I could still lose them through the trees or they might become a snack for some of its denizens. I was okay with both scenarios.

I made a beeline for the forest as the sound of hundreds of hoofs stomped on the ground as I was followed. This was a brilliant plan!

That was a brilliant plan. Brilliant in how totally idiotic it was!

So, instead of being chased by ponies, I was now being chased by ponies, a pack of timber wolves, a couple of manticores, a cragodile, a dragon, a flock of cockatrices, a chimera, a bunch of bats, three French hens, two turtle doves, a nest of bees, a nest of hornets, an ursa minor, a hydra, parasprites, a flamingo, and a snapping turtle who was in the lead only because he kept his jaw tightly clamped on my cape even as he was being flung around. If I had my large eye open it would be so wide right now it would be popping out of its socket. For now my two white ones were doing their best to compensate.

Twilight was watching on in stock horror as I fled out of the forest. She couldn’t believe the mess she had caused. Her jaw looked ready to completely fall off and all she could do was whisper, “I can fix this…”

“Twilight Sparkle!”

Twilight nearly jumped out of her skin as next to her stood Princess Celestia. “P-P-Princess!” Twilight stuttered out.

Celestia nodded. “I was informed by Spike you were worried about being late for an assignment. He made it sound like you were in huge trouble so I came to reassure you that it’s okay if you’re late for it. For a little while I thought you were in danger and I almost expected half of the town to be involved too. I’m glad to find my worries to be unfounded.” She smiled warmly at Twilight as behind her I ran past with my growing army of adoring fans. Celestia’s ear flicked and turned her head to just miss the stampede. She merely shrugged as Twilight sighed with relief at the close call.

“T-thank you Princess. I was just so worried at disappointing you…”

“It’s perfectly alright Twilight. If you needed extra time you just had to ask. I don’t expect you to send me a report every week. You’ve already made tremendous progress as is.” Celestia leaned down and gave Twilight a little nuzzle. “Now, I have just one question before I go.”

“Yes Princess?” Twilight replied, feeling very relieved.

Celestia pointed down. “Who’s this little guy and why is there a Want It, Need It spell on him?”

Twilight blinked and looked down to see me staring up at her and giving her a little wave. She became so pale that her whole body turned stark white. She looked past Celestia and could see stampede beginning to approach.

If I’m going down I’m taking you both with me.

“Is something wrong Twilight?” Celestia asked as she pulled the turtle off my cape and tossed it behind her.

“That’s Yami and I did it!” Twilight admitted in a sob.

“Twilight!” Celestia said in shock. “That can be a very dangerous spell! You’re lucky it was only a turtle that chased him and not…“ I interrupted my hated enemy as I forced her to turn her head to look behind her. The princesses eyes turned to pinpricks as she shouted, “WHAT THE BUCK?!”

Both Twilight and I were stunned that Celestia chose to say that, but before we could process anything else, the princess lit up her horn in a golden light and disabled the spell. However, that didn’t calm things down. In fact it made everything more chaotic. Now a bunch of Ponyville’s citizens were now surrounded by some of Everfree’s worst monsters. It took the rest of the afternoon for Celestia to save everyone and chase off all of the monsters that had followed me out of Everfree.

On the bright side, Pinkie Pie was nearby and was nice enough to bring me my foldout chair, sunglasses, and fresh batch of popcorn along with a soda. I finally got to have my entertainment for the evening.

After the cleanup Celestia had gathered all the Elements of Harmony, Spike, and me into the library. The original Lesson Zero ending occurred with how Twilight’s friends would write friendship reports along with Twilight. Celestia was so busy with them that she hardly paid me any attention so I mostly just glared at her and Twilight the whole time. What proceeded though was what I would refer to as either a deleted scene or this only happening because of my presence to make everything so much worse.

Celestia was on her way out when she stopped just outside the library’s exit. She turned back to Twilight to tell her something. “Oh Twilight,” she began as Twilight turned to look back at her. “If you ever do something like this again, I’ll imprison you in Tartarus.” Celestia started to chuckle and everyone else started to laugh along with her, though Twilight’s was a little more forced.

What happened next chilled all of us to the bone, if I had bones. Celestia immediately stopped laughing and looked coldly at Twilight. “I’m serious,” she said darkly as she slammed the door shut causing all of us to pale except me, only because of my dark matter skin.

Damn…

Twilight was barely able to stop herself from shaking as she tried to laugh it off. Meanwhile Fluttershy came up to console her. “There there, I’m sure she didn’t mean it.” They both smiled weakly as Fluttershy added, “By the way, I think you owe somepony an apology.” She gestured to me as she said this.

I just looked angrily at Twilight as she approached me nervously. “Yami,” she began, “I’m sorry I dragged you into my mess. It was a horrible thing to do and I hope you can forgive me.”

The anger left my eyes and I just stared at her. I don’t know how I did it, because I was barely even thinking about it when it happened. In that very moment I pulled out an accordion style hand fan with a red handle.

Everyone blinked and Pinkie Pie was the first to say something, “Hey, how’d he do that? Yami just pulled it out of nowhere! Have you ever seen anypony do something like that before?”

We all just turned slowly to the pink mare and stared blankly. Did the pony of reality breaking 101 seriously just question how I pulled something out of thin air? Really?!

Pinkie just looked at all of us. “What is there something on my face?”

Everyone ignored her then Twilight and I returned our attention to each other and she tentatively asked, “So… do you accept my apology?”

I gave my equivalent of smile at Twilight, using my eyes. She smiled back… that was until I smacked her so hard with my fan it left a red mark on her face.

“Ow! Why did you…” Twilight never got to finish as I proceeded to smack her with the fan at blinding speeds, leaving stinging marks all over her.

It took both Fluttershy and Rarity to get me off of the lavender mare as she backed up and was on the verge of tears from the stinging paddling I had given. Fluttershy had to hold me tightly as I fumed and kept trying to get at the mare.

“Uh… I don’t think he forgives you Twi,” Dash commented as she hovered near Twilight just in case I got loose again.

Twilight groaned and sarcastically remarked, “Gee, I hadn’t notice.”

“Yami!” Fluttershy scolded as I calmed down slightly and looked up at her. “That is no way to treat somepony. All she was trying to do was apologize and then–“

Fluttershy stopped for a moment when I dropped my fan and grabbed a piece of paper and started to quickly draw out something with quill and ink. Rarity hovered nearby and commented, “Oh my, he’s quite the artist!” I did have wonderful drawing skills, but it was only thanks to the power I got from Drawcia. Normally my artistry was complete crap.

When I finished my drawing I held it out for Fluttershy to see. I had drawn the scene of me running from everything that had been chasing me, even adding waterfall fountain tears pouring out of my eyes. I hadn’t been crying, but I needed sympathy points from Fluttershy right now.

“Twilight...” Fluttershy started as she showed the picture to said mare. “Did you do this to Yami?”

“Umm… yes?” she replied hesitantly.

Fluttershy dropped the picture and then picked up my fan and stared blankly at Twilight. Then in the next instant, Fluttershy descended onto Twilight with a terrifying wrath as she continuously smacked the living daylights out of the mare. She did this all while shouting, “HOW COULD YOU DO SOMETHING SO HORRIBLE TO SUCH AN INNOCENT CREATURE!!!”

Our mouths collectively dropped, even my own which meant my red eye was now just staring at cloth covering it. None of us had expected this. We learned that day, never make Fluttershy angry. You wouldn’t like her when she’s angry.

Twilight just curled up while shouting apologies, “I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I’m sorry!”

No one was going to get in the way of this and frankly I was thoroughly enjoying myself. I was quite sad when it stopped, but brightened up when Fluttershy asked, “Do you accept her apology now Yami?”

I feigned thinking about it and shook my head. Fluttershy nodded and proceeded back to punishing Twilight. It took about 300 or so whacks before I finally accepted and we were left with a mare with one tanned hide.

Overall, it had been a good day!

Author's Note

I'll admit, some of this was rushed. Just because I hadn't want to repeat everything scene for scene for the conversations. Get's a little annoying doing that since I have to go find the episode and play it to get everything word for word.

So, another chapter for you guys! Might do another interlude next then Magolor shall make his way to the castle!
Also, brownie points to anyone who gets the chapters title.

Interlude 2: The Watcher

C-R-O-W-N-E-D S-O-U-L
By: Mordy

Interlude 2: The Watcher

Celestia trotted into Luna’s room with a little yawn, interrupting her younger sister’s work. Luna was currently at her ebony desk with a dark purple crystal and a large vial that contained some black sludge that Celestia had never seen before.

Luna turned to acknowledge her as Celestia gave one more yawn. “Hello Lulu, I just stopped by to say goodnight.”

“May thy dreams be sweet dear sister. Though, pray tell what was thine emergency that made thou leave on such swift wings?” Luna inquired as she gently set the vial down with her magic.

Celestia chuckled. “Oh, just a slight emergency with my dear student, but all is well now.” Celestia’s thoughts were interrupted as she peered over at the contents Luna was looking through. She hummed as she walked over and Luna caught on that she had peaked Celestia’s curiosity. “Pray tell Lulu, what is all of this?”

Luna nodded and turned to the oddities on her desk. “Yes, something that was brought to our attention shortly after thou left. It seems this crystal was vandalized at a museum here in Canterlot.” Luna tapped said crystal with her silver clad hoof.

Celestia cocked her head in confusion. “Wouldn’t this task be better handled by the guard or local authorities?”

“That was our line of thinking as well. However, we were not contacted to find the perpetrator,” Luna picked up a shard of crystal to hold it up to the light as she said this. The fragment had light shining through it, making it no different than any other ordinary crystal.

The sun princess looked at the mundane crystal and then asked, “For what reasons were you contacted then and is there anything they wanted from me?

“Actually dear Tia,” Luna began as a mischievous grin spread on her face, “We were actually asked for specifically.”

Celestia blinked in surprise, but then smiled widely. “That’s wonderful Lulu! It’s nice to see that ponies are coming to rely on you now.”

“Indeed it is, we just wish it was under better circumstances,” Luna frowned as she said this and Celestia’s smile faltered at the sight.

“Whatever is the problem?”

“Tis best if we start from the beginning,” Luna started as she cleared her throat. It was a few quick coughs and a deep sigh before she spoke, “From what was claimed, this was what the mages referred to as a dark crystal. It has been in their possession for a long time and they said it was harder than diamond and completely indestructible, yet as far as they could tell it was completely unforgeable.” Luna glanced at the shattered remains of the crystal. “Does their boast seem odd to you, sister?”

Celestia nodded, “If what they said is true, then how is the crystal shattered. You said it was vandalism, but no ordinary hoodlum would be able to sneak in and break it, at least not quietly.”

“Exactly,” Luna agreed. “They told me just as much. Their top spell casters had tried everything from magic, to brute force, and they only learned it was harder than diamond by trying to cut it with a diamond. Amazingly, it cut the diamond instead. Quite fascinating…”

“I sense a ‘but’ coming.” Celestia leaned in.

“But… well just look.” Luna placed a shard before her and then placed her hoof over it, only to lightly put pressure on it and she ended up grinding it into dust.

“It’s so brittle…” Celestia gasped.

Luna nodded sadly. “Yes, tis as if it has lost all of its previous properties.” The lunar deity then snapped her head to look at the vial of black liquid with a slight scowl. Her eyes narrowed at it suspiciously. Celestia found the reaction a bit odd.

“And what does that have to do with this?” Celestia asked with a bit of unease as she motioned to the black liquid.

Luna didn’t take her eyes of the vial as she answered, “The reason we were personally asked to help. When they found the crystal with this strange goo it was leaking out of it. They had known that there were odd magical properties to the crystal and this apparently was what was giving it off. However, they were unable to discern anything from it except its strange reaction to light.”

Celestia’s interest perked up at that last statement. “What happened when it’s exposed to light?”

“This matter seemed to absorb any and all light, yet never seemed to become anymore illuminated. Tis like an abyss in liquid form.” Luna finally turned back to look at her sister.

“I assume that’s why they thought of you then?” Celestia wasn’t sure how to feel about that way of thinking. She’d prefer it if ponies didn’t see her beloved little sister as some dark brooding mare.

Luna merely nodded. “Yes, and tis a good thing they did. We have found some… disturbing similarities between it and us.” Celestia grew fearful as Luna continued to explain, “It has magic that is familiar to our time as… Nightmare.”

Celestia’s face paled at that statement, but Luna quickly dismissed her worry. “We said similar, not exactly alike. Thankfully the ambient magic seems nothing more than faint leftovers and is pretty much dead. It’s completely harmless as far as we can tell.”

“Well, that’s good then,” Celestia said with relief and a warm smile followed by a long yawn.

Luna stood up and stretched. “Ah sister, you look tired. Tis late and we have night court anyway. We will continue to study this later, but for now tis best if thou were to retire.”

Celestia let out a great big yawn and nodded in agreement. “You’re right, Lulu. I hope you have a wonderful night. I shall see you at dawn.” With that, Celestia nuzzled her sister and slowly dragged herself out of Luna’s room and off to bed.

The younger sister sighed wistfully, relishing the feeling of being home again with her beloved sister. It had been something she had missed dearly and hadn’t realized the full extent until becoming free from Nightmare Moon. She had been so blinded by her envy and thoughts of revenge that she didn’t know what she had until she was gone.

It was strange how it all began. It had been as though her darkest fears and thoughts started to whisper to her and unless she did something drastic to change the way things were she would be miserable for the rest of her existence. Thoughts such as she had no friends, she was inferior to her sister, or…

They will never love you…

Luna shook her head for a moment. That thought had almost seemed… it must have been her imagination. That had to be it… right?

She disregarded the feeling and started to walk out of her room. However, before she made it through the door, she stopped. Her wings flared for a moment and Luna did a one eighty and bared her teeth while her horn glowed. She turned to find the sight of… nothing. Luna could have sworn someone or something had been there… watching…

A few calming breaths and a deep sigh was all she needed before she eased up. The Lunar princess turned back to the door, casting one last glance at her room before trotting out.

Only when she had left did something change. Within the vial of dark matter many eyes suddenly opened, all of them staring out in different directions. Each had white sclera and a black pupil. At first they were opened wide, but then the eyes narrowed into a sinister gaze and focused their pupils on the door that Luna had left through.

They will only bring you pain…

Author's Note

Another Interlude for you guys. I'll probably do these for Luna and Celestia or when I need a 3rd PoV.

Speak not the Watchers,
Draw not the Watchers,
Write not the Watchers,
Sculpt not the Watchers,
Sing not the Watchers,
Call not the Watchers' name.

Can you guess what I'm excited for?

Ch. 6 Castle Crasher

C-R-O-W-N-E-D S-O-U-L
By: Mordy

Ch. 6 Castle Crasher

I had developed some very odd eating habits since I started living with Fluttershy. Not the kind where you devour everything like a slob or in the case of one particular pony, Twilight. It had more to do with my choice of methods as to how I ate. For example it would be similar to how some nobles would scrutinize an hors d’oeuvres before eating the treat. Well mine, like every other little miniscule thing I did, caught Twilight’s attention. Though, it was only because Fluttershy told her in passing.

The pegasus hadn’t been too keen on letting Twilight near me since our little Lesson Zero mishap. Fluttershy only agreed to this examination because she would be nearby to make sure Twilight didn’t do anything… drastic. That and she was a bit concern with my habits as well. I didn’t see why, it was just me having fun.

I was currently without my wardrobe and gloves so I was “naked” as you could say. I was bouncing up and down while leaning left and right in a mock stretch motion with my ears. Fluttershy and Twilight were sitting before me watching intently while Angel was off to the side eating his breakfast. The lavender mare ready to take notes and before me was bowl of salad mixed with vegetables.

Ladies and gentlemen! I thought out not really caring that I couldn’t be heard. Children of all ages! Come watch, as the amazing dark matter formally known as Magolor devours this simple salad using only his nonexistent ass!

I jumped high while doing a somersault before landing on my rear and made faux munching sounds while the lettuce and veggies were absorbed into me and yes, I could taste it still. The sight made Twilight’s jaw drop and Fluttershy just stared wide eyed. Angel was in mid bite of his own salad as he grimaced in disgust, quickly losing most of his appetite.

When I finished my meal I rolled backwards and let off a little cheer as the empty bowl shook for a moment before steadying itself. I took that time to absorb the shocked looks of the mares’ faces with glee.

“So… umm… should I be concerned by this?” Fluttershy asked as she turned her attention to Twilight.

Twilight was still shocked with a nasty eye twitch. “I… I guess not. I think he would know if that was bad for him to do that.”

I would? I merely do it for fun, could be killing me for all I know.

“It’s probably nothing to worry about. It’s just really weird is all.”

“Oh, I’ve seen some stranger stuff from him,” Fluttershy added.

“Really, like what?” Twilight had to ask.

“Like that.” Fluttershy pointed over to me and when Twilight looked her eye twitch got even worse than before.

I was currently drinking from two glasses with straws filled with orange juice. The fun thing though was how I was drinking them. By placing the pointed tips of my ears to the straws and the orange liquid was hastily sucked through them.

Twilight gritted her teeth and looked like she wanted to blast me through a wall. “He’s doing this on purpose isn’t he?”

“Umm… maybe?” Fluttershy answered tentatively. That poor mare was so timid.

After finishing my OJ I hopped over to my clothes and gloves. The little hands popped to life and I was able to quickly dress myself before I started to float away, preparing to leave. I had an important mission today!

Twilight started to follow, but she got cut off by Fluttershy. The mare chided her, “Uh-uh, we agreed that you only get to watch Yami eat.”

“But Fluttershy–” Twilight’s argument died in her mouth when Fluttershy pulled out my hitting fan and glared at the mare, daring her to even argue. Twilight swallowed heavily and smiled sheepishly. “Though, I suppose he needs his space!”

With that, I was out the door and began to head into the Everfree Forest.

I had spent a lot of my time recovering enough energy to brave the journey to the Castle of the Two Sisters. Not so much as to fight my way, but to have enough magic to warp my way back to Ponyville should things go south. Not that I was really expecting to run into anything on the main road in broad daylight, but better safe than sorry.

The trip overall was surprisingly dull. I didn’t see a living thing besides the trees. I suppose my lack of attention from the beasts of the forest could have been attested to my absence of noise from me floating and the fact I wasn’t really made of meat. So, I counted this is a boon even if was a boring trip.

The most interesting thing to note was the old rickety bridge that lead over to the castle. It might have been nerve racking to cross if it wasn’t for the little detail that I could float, thus the bridge didn’t even sway from my presence.

It was when I crossed to the other side that I felt IT. A piece of my power was residing in the Castle of the Two Sisters. I was bouncing in the air with joy as I charged forward with reckless abandon. I couldn’t believe my luck! It was almost too easy. I wouldn’t think Celestia would be dumb enough to leave my glorious crown behind in her castle, but I recalled her leaving a lot of things that shouldn’t have been left alone without some more proper measures. Inspiration Manifestation anyone?

The location of my crown was a bit vague. I had a general direction, but not a precise location. There were quite a few pitfalls before I found my way. And I mean literally. This place was booby trapped from head to toe. Nothing lethal, but I couldn’t wonder how anyone like the sisters or their servants got around this castle in the past without getting caught in one of these security measures. Maybe there was switch or something to turn it off? Not that it would matter to me in a few moments.

You know that mixture of being both happy and sad at the same time when you learn some news that is a bit of a double edge sword? I was feeling that right about now. Though, I was feeling more of a mix of happy and bite the heads off of puppies kind of rage. The source of this odd melting pot of emotions was my crown. To be a bit more specific, it was the piece of my crown that I had just managed to locate.

My beloved crown had been torn into chunks and most likely scattered across Equestria. Overall, I think I was handling the news very well.

Meanwhile...

Applejack was bucking an apple tree when a roaring shout echoed across the field sending birds and fruit bats flying. She looked every which way as she swiveled her ears to try and locate the noise.

“What in tarnation…?”

Fluttershy and Rarity were in the middle of their weekly get together at Aloe and Lotus’ day spa when they heard the noise. The four ponies there looked around in confusion.

“Oh my, what is that sound?” Fluttershy inquired.

Rarity hummed for a moment. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say it was pure unadulterated rage…”

In another part of Ponyville Rainbow Dash was sleeping deeply to not be awoken by the roar, yet in her dreams she could still hear it as she was flying with the Wonderbolts. She was curious about the noise, but was too awesome to care.

Pinkie Pie was another story, she gasped in the middle of selling a pasty treat to a customer at Sugar Cube Corner. “Somepony is having a screaming match without inviting me?! No fair!”

Pinkie was ready to speed off when Mr. Cake stopped her, “Pinkie, we are in the middle of lunch rush, we don’t have time for your antics!”

The pink pony froze in midair for a couple of seconds before returning back to her duties. “Okie doki loki!” she replied with a cheery smile.

For Twilight, she and Spike were about to sit down to eat in the library’s kitchen when they heard it. Both of them blinked before Twilight asked the obvious question, “What in Celestia’s name is that?”

It took Canterlot a little while longer to hear the rage, but it eventually reached Celestia’s ears while she was in day court. The goddess’ face looked on in horror. “On no… please don’t tell me… is that Blueblood?! Dear mother I need to hide! I don’t have the patience to deal with him right now!”

Over in the Minotaur kingdoms one of their own, a judge in particular, was going over various documents when the dreaded scream reached him. He looked around and called out, “Denise? Denise! Is that my wife? Leave me alone! You already took the kids, what more do you want?!”

Sometime in the near future…

Magolor and the elements hopped off the train to head to the castle to meet Twilight’s brother and help prepare for the upcoming wedding when a loud scream of rage echoed through the station. Everyone looked around to try and locate it before it quickly passed on.

Magolor had one simple thought: Why does that sound so familiar?

Back to the present…

Yeah, I think I handled the news fairly well.

Anyway, back to my current problem. I found my crown, but only a fractured piece of it. It was a golden horn that had chipped off from the original. Seeing as it was gold that meant the crown had reverted back to its old form when I lost it. I wasn’t sure if that was a good or bad thing.

What was odd though was that the missing piece was floating in the air, perfectly still and glowing faintly. I believed the glow was from my presence, but that didn’t explain why the thing was just stuck over there near a collapsed wall. The rest of the room was bare except for a few broken bookshelves, tables, and a dusty old carpet.

With my anger simmering I merely shrugged and floated over to the first piece of my crown. I reached out and grabbed it… only for my detached appendage to pass right through it. I blinked in disbelief and reached out to grab it again only for the same thing to happen once more. My left eye twitched as I futilely tried to swiping at it with both of my hands.

The universe was being a real tease today…

I reached out with my magic to get a feel for the anomaly and it was quickly relayed to me what was wrong. My irritation towards what the problem was causing me to shake violently. So, as it turns out, my crown wasn’t actually there. Well, it was there, it just wasn’t there… in this universe.

Yeah, not only was my crown in pieces, but they might have even been blasted out into alternate realities. Just bloody wonderful.

I know what you’re thinking; at this point I might as well give up and just forget the whole ordeal. To which I would reply with a very respectable: screw you. I could still get this piece of my crown. I had enough power to warp me to Ponyville, but I could instead apply it to warping into the reality where my precious was.

This wasn’t without risk. It would be pretty much a one way trip and I wouldn’t be able to return without the horn to give me enough magical strength to get back. Maybe I should think this over before making the dive?

…Nah!

Examining floating piece, I was able to deduce what reality it lay in. The only thing I had to do now was find a structural weak point where this dimension was closely connected with the other dimension. Luckily, the room over through the broken wall seemed to have been very close with this other world.

I floated into the side room and spread my hands as a star shaped hole appeared before me. Inside was like a star filled sky if it had been splashed with rainbow paint. I paid it little mind as I jumped through.

Warping through dimensions for some can be nauseating, but for me it was very smooth, though incredibly tiring in my current state. It was like a long stretch acid color trip before a star shape light appeared at the end and I passed through.

I ended up in the same room as before, but it wasn’t as run down as it was in my dimension. The place was still abandoned by the looks of it, but was in far better shape than it had been.

I raised my hand as I pointed in the direction of my reward. Now to get my crown and– My train of thought was interrupted as I found myself pointing at a wall.

A wall that was no longer broken.

A wall that was currently barring me access to my crown.

A wall that I would be tearing down right now if I wasn’t magically exhausted.

I just glared with a half lidded gaze at the stone built structure as my eyes drifted over to a door just to my right. I floated over to it while grumbling out as I exited and followed the outside wall around to another door that I believed lead to the room that had my prize.

I entered and there it was. Sitting on bookshelf was the first piece of my first real step to reacquiring my power. This was going to be piece of cake!

I looked around as I started to float over to the shelf taking note that room was in excellent condition. I dare say that you wouldn’t have figured the place to be abandoned by the looks of it. It was intriguing, but I couldn’t care less with my goal in sight. So, I continued to float over.

Now, there’s something important you need to know about my ability to hover. It used a little bit of my natural magic to do, but required very little as long as I stayed close to the ground. The further away I am from the floor the more energy it requires until I’m pretty much using my magic to fly. That requires a lot of magic that I simply couldn’t output at this point in time.

Why was this relevant right now?

Because that was when the large trap door opened up from under me.

I immediately began to doggy paddle, breast stroke, and whatever other swimming style there was in the air in a cartoonish effort to reach my beloved crown. However, it was a futile endeavor and I could only cry a little as I screamed out and began to fall into the depths of the castle. And boy, what a long painful fall that was.

When I finally landed I bounced around like super ball against the walls, ceiling, and floor before coming to an agonizing rest as I found myself in a cell. Of course it sent me on a one way trip to the dungeons. That’s just peachy…

I groaned out as I sat up, not bothering to remain afloat. I then heard the clip clopping of a pony coming down the hallway and I rubbed my head at the thought of how much a headache this was going to be.

As the clopping got closer, a gray stallion with an even grayer long wizards beard stepped in front of my cell.

What?

A stallion that was wearing a star studded cape with a wizards cap also filled with stars and gold jingling bells.

What?

The stallion then spoke to me, “I’m Starswirl the Bearded, who and what are you?”

WHAT?!

Author's Note

I'm sorry, were you expecting this story to be predictable? :D

Anyway, another chapter for you guys. Truth be told, this was actually supposed to be a chapter to introduce Magolor's abilities to go into other dimensions as a way to have crossovers with other stories from the LoHAV group. However, I my story wasn't added to the original group, but I might be able to add it into the remade one. I'm hesitant to try since there was a lot of weird stuff going on with how one may submit to them. Still, if anyone wanted to have a cross over there was no rule about having to be in there to do so!

I plan to base Starswirls personality off the official comics, which you should really go read if you haven't. Good stuff there!